X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with a charged particle cancer therapy system

ABSTRACT

The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus used in conjunction with multi-axis charged particle or proton beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors. In various embodiments, 3-D images are generated from a series of 2-D X-rays images; the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates; the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system; and the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays. The X-ray tomography system is optionally used in conjunction with systems used to both move and constrain movement of the patient, such as semi-vertical, sitting, or laying positioning systems. The X-ray images are optionally used in control of a charged particle cancer therapy system.

CROSS REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is:

-   -   a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/606,913         filed Oct. 27, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 8,144,832 B2, which is a         continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.         12/425,683 filed Apr. 17, 2009 now U.S. Pat. No. 7,939,839 B2,         which claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application         No. 61/055,395 filed May 22, 2008; and         -   claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application             No. 61/209,529 filed Mar. 9, 2009;         -   claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application             No. 61/208,182 filed Feb. 23, 2009;         -   claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application             No. 61/208,971 filed Mar. 3, 2009, and         -   claims the benefit of U.S. provisional patent application             No. 61/270,298, filed Jul. 7, 2009,     -   all of which are incorporated herein in their entirety by this         reference thereto.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to treatment of solid cancers. More particularly, the invention relates to an X-ray tomography system used in conjunction with charged particle cancer therapy beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting methods and apparatus.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

Cancer

A tumor is an abnormal mass of tissue. Tumors are either benign or malignant. A benign tumor grows locally, but does not spread to other parts of the body. Benign tumors cause problems because of their spread, as they press and displace normal tissues. Benign tumors are dangerous in confined places such as the skull. A malignant tumor is capable of invading other regions of the body. Metastasis is cancer spreading by invading normal tissue and spreading to distant tissues.

Cancer Treatment

Several forms of radiation therapy exist for cancer treatment including: brachytherapy, traditional electromagnetic X-ray therapy, and proton therapy. Each are further described, infra.

Brachytherapy is radiation therapy using radioactive sources implanted inside the body. In this treatment, an oncologist implants radioactive material directly into the tumor or very close to it. Radioactive sources are also placed within body cavities, such as the uterine cervix.

The second form of traditional cancer treatment using electromagnetic radiation includes treatment using X-rays and gamma rays. An X-ray is high-energy, ionizing, electromagnetic radiation that is used at low doses to diagnose disease or at high doses to treat cancer. An X-ray or Röntgen ray is a form of electromagnetic radiation with a wavelength in the range of 10 to 0.01 nanometers (nm), corresponding to frequencies in the range of 30 PHz to 30 EHz. X-rays are longer than gamma rays and shorter than ultraviolet rays. X-rays are primarily used for diagnostic radiography. X-rays are a form of ionizing radiation and as such can be dangerous. Gamma rays are also a form of electromagnetic radiation and are at frequencies produced by sub-atomic particle interactions, such as electron-positron annihilation or radioactive decay. In the electromagnetic spectrum, gamma rays are generally characterized as electromagnetic radiation having the highest frequency, as having highest energy, and having the shortest wavelength, such as below about 10 picometers. Gamma rays consist of high energy photons with energies above about 100 keV. X-rays are commonly used to treat cancerous tumors. However, X-rays are not optimal for treatment of cancerous tissue as X-rays deposit their highest dose of radiation near the surface of the targeted tissue and delivery exponentially less radiation as they penetrate into the tissue. This results in large amounts of radiation being delivered outside of the tumor. Gamma rays have similar limitations.

The third form of cancer treatment uses protons. Proton therapy systems typically include: a beam generator, an accelerator, and a beam transport system to move the resulting accelerated protons to a plurality of treatment rooms where the protons are delivered to a tumor in a patient's body.

Proton therapy works by aiming energetic ionizing particles, such as protons accelerated with a particle accelerator, onto a target tumor. These particles damage the DNA of cells, ultimately causing their death. Cancerous cells, because of their high rate of division and their reduced ability to repair damaged DNA, are particularly vulnerable to attack on their DNA.

Due to their relatively enormous size, protons scatter less easily than X-rays or gamma rays in the tissue and there is very little lateral dispersion. Hence, the proton beam stays focused on the tumor shape without much lateral damage to surrounding tissue. All protons of a given energy have a certain range, defined by the Bragg peak, and the dosage delivery to tissue ratio is maximum over just the last few millimeters of the particle's range. The penetration depth depends on the energy of the particles, which is directly related to the speed to which the particles were accelerated by the proton accelerator. The speed of the proton is adjustable to the maximum rating of the accelerator. It is therefore possible to focus the cell damage due to the proton beam at the very depth in the tissues where the tumor is situated. Tissues situated before the Bragg peak receive some reduced dose and tissues situated after the peak receive none.

Synchrotron

Patents related to the current invention are summarized here.

Proton Beam Therapy System

F. Cole, et. al. of Loma Linda University Medical Center “Multi-Station Proton Beam Therapy System”, U.S. Pat. No. 4,870,287 (Sep. 26, 1989) describe a proton beam therapy system for selectively generating and transporting proton beams from a single proton source and accelerator to a selected treatment room of a plurality of patient treatment rooms.

Accelerator/Synchrotron

H. Tanaka, et. al. “Charged Particle Accelerator”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,259,529 (Aug. 21, 2007) describe a charged particle accelerator having a two period acceleration process with a fixed magnetic field applied in the first period and a timed second acceleration period to provide compact and high power acceleration of the charged particles.

T. Haberer, et. al. “Ion Beam Therapy System and a Method for Operating the System”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,683,318 (Jan. 27, 2004) describe an ion beam therapy system and method for operating the system. The ion beam system uses a gantry that has a vertical deflection system and a horizontal deflection system positioned before a last bending magnet that result in a parallel scanning mode resulting from an edge focusing effect.

V. Kulish, et. al. “Inductional Undulative EH-Accelerator”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,494 (Aug. 13, 2002) describe an inductive undulative EH-accelerator for acceleration of beams of charged particles. The device consists of an electromagnet undulation system, whose driving system for electromagnets is made in the form of a radio-frequency (RF) oscillator operating in the frequency range from about 100 KHz to 10 GHz.

K. Saito, et. al. “Radio-Frequency Accelerating System and Ring Type Accelerator Provided with the Same”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,917,293 (Jun. 29, 1999) describe a radio-frequency accelerating system having a loop antenna coupled to a magnetic core group and impedance adjusting means connected to the loop antenna. A relatively low voltage is applied to the impedance adjusting means allowing small construction of the adjusting means.

J. Hirota, et. al. “Ion Beam Accelerating Device Having Separately Excited Magnetic Cores”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,661,366 (Aug. 26, 1997) describe an ion beam accelerating device having a plurality of high frequency magnetic field inducing units and magnetic cores.

J. Hirota, et. al. “Acceleration Device for Charged Particles”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,168,241 (Dec. 1, 1992) describe an acceleration cavity having a high frequency power source and a looped conductor operating under a control that combine to control a coupling constant and/or de-tuning allowing transmission of power more efficiently to the particles.

Vacuum Chamber

T. Kobari, et. al. “Apparatus For Treating the Inner Surface of Vacuum Chamber”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,820,320 (Oct. 13, 1998) and T. Kobari, et. al. “Process and Apparatus for Treating Inner Surface Treatment of Chamber and Vacuum Chamber”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,626,682 (May 6, 1997) both describe an apparatus for treating an inner surface of a vacuum chamber including means for supplying an inert gas or nitrogen to a surface of the vacuum chamber with a broach. Alternatively, the broach is used for supplying a lower alcohol to the vacuum chamber for dissolving contaminants on the surface of the vacuum chamber.

Magnet Shape

M. Tadokoro, et. al. “Electromagnetic and Magnetic Field Generating Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,365,894 (Apr. 2, 2002) and M. Tadokoro, et. al. “Electromagnetic and Magnetic Field Generating Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,236,043 (May 22, 2001) each describe a pair of magnetic poles, a return yoke, and exciting coils. The interior of the magnetic poles each have a plurality of air gap spacers to increase magnetic field strength.

Extraction

T. Nakanishi, et. al. “Charged-Particle Beam Accelerator, Particle Beam Radiation Therapy System Using the Charged-Particle Beam Accelerator, and Method of Operating the Particle Beam Radiation Therapy System”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,122,978 (Oct. 17, 2006) describe a charged particle beam accelerator having an RF-KO unit for increasing amplitude of betatron oscillation of a charged particle beam within a stable region of resonance and an extraction quadrupole electromagnet unit for varying a stable region of resonance. The RF-KO unit is operated within a frequency range in which the circulating beam does not go beyond a boundary of stable region of resonance and the extraction quadrupole electromagnet is operated with timing required for beam extraction.

T. Haberer, et. al. “Method and Device for Controlling a Beam Extraction Raster Scan Irradiation Device for Heavy Ions or Protons”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,091,478 (Aug. 15, 2006) describe a method for controlling beam extraction irradiation in terms of beam energy, beam focusing, and beam intensity for every accelerator cycle.

K. Hiramoto, et. al. “Accelerator and Medical System and Operating Method of the Same”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,472,834 (Oct. 29, 2002) describe a cyclic type accelerator having a deflection electromagnet and four-pole electromagnets for making a charged particle beam circulate, a multi-pole electromagnet for generating a stability limit of resonance of betatron oscillation, and a high frequency source for applying a high frequency electromagnetic field to the beam to move the beam to the outside of the stability limit. The high frequency source generates a sum signal of a plurality of alternating current (AC) signals of which the instantaneous frequencies change with respect to time, and of which the average values of the instantaneous frequencies with respect to time are different. The system applies the sum signal via electrodes to the beam.

K. Hiramoto, et. al. “Synchrotron Type Accelerator and Medical Treatment System Employing the Same”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,087,670 (Jul. 11, 2000) and K. Hiramoto, et. al. “Synchrotron Type Accelerator and Medical Treatment System Employing the Same”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,008,499 (Dec. 28, 1999) describe a synchrotron accelerator having a high frequency applying unit arranged on a circulating orbit for applying a high frequency electromagnetic field to a charged particle beam circulating and for increasing amplitude of betatron oscillation of the particle beam to a level above a stability limit of resonance. Additionally, for beam ejection, four-pole divergence electromagnets are arranged: (1) downstream with respect to a first deflector; (2) upstream with respect to a deflecting electromagnet; (3) downstream with respect to the deflecting electromagnet; and (4) and upstream with respect to a second deflector.

K. Hiramoto, et. al. “Circular Accelerator and Method and Apparatus for Extracting Charged-Particle Beam in Circular Accelerator”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,363,008 (Nov. 8, 1994) describe a circular accelerator for extracting a charged-particle beam that is arranged to: (1) increase displacement of a beam by the effect of betatron oscillation resonance; (2) to increase the betatron oscillation amplitude of the particles, which have an initial betatron oscillation within a stability limit for resonance; and (3) to exceed the resonance stability limit thereby extracting the particles exceeding the stability limit of the resonance.

K. Hiramoto, et. al. “Method of Extracting Charged Particles from Accelerator, and Accelerator Capable Carrying Out the Method, by Shifting Particle Orbit”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,285,166 (Feb. 8, 1994) describe a method of extracting a charged particle beam. An equilibrium orbit of charged particles maintained by a bending magnet and magnets having multipole components greater than sextuple components is shifted by a constituent element of the accelerator other than these magnets to change the tune of the charged particles.

Beam Energy/Intensity

M. Yanagisawa, et. al. “Charged Particle Therapy System, Range Modulation Wheel Device, and Method of Installing Range Modulation Wheel Device”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,355,189 (Apr. 8, 2008) and Yanagisawa, et. al. “Charged Particle Therapy System, Range Modulation Wheel Device, and Method of Installing Range Modulation Wheel Device”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,053,389 (May 30, 2008) both describe a particle therapy system having a range modulation wheel. The ion beam passes through the range modulation wheel resulting in a plurality of energy levels corresponding to a plurality of stepped thicknesses of the range modulation wheel.

M. Yanagisawa, et. al. “Particle Beam Irradiation System and Method of Adjusting Irradiation Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,297,967 (Nov. 20, 2007); M. Yanagisawa, et. al. “Particle Beam Irradiation System and Method of Adjusting Irradiation Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,071,479 (Jul. 4, 2006); M. Yanagisawa, et. al. “Particle Beam Irradiation System and Method of Adjusting Irradiation Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,026,636 (Apr. 11, 2006); and M. Yanagisawa, et. al. “Particle Beam Irradiation System and Method of Adjusting Irradiation Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,777,700 (Aug. 17, 2004) all describe a scattering device, a range adjustment device, and a peak spreading device. The scattering device and range adjustment device are combined together and are moved along a beam axis. The spreading device is independently moved along the axis to adjust the degree of ion beam scattering. Combined, the device increases the degree of uniformity of radiation dose distribution to a diseased tissue.

A. Sliski, et. al. “Programmable Particle Scatterer for Radiation Therapy Beam Formation”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,208,748 (Apr. 24, 2007) describe a programmable pathlength of a fluid disposed into a particle beam to modulate scattering angle and beam range in a predetermined manner. The charged particle beam scatterer/range modulator comprises a fluid reservoir having opposing walls in a particle beam path and a drive to adjust the distance between the walls of the fluid reservoir under control of a programmable controller to create a predetermined spread out Bragg peak at a predetermined depth in a tissue. The beam scattering and modulation is continuously and dynamically adjusted during treatment of a tumor to deposit a dose in a targeted predetermined three dimensional volume.

M. Tadokoro, et. al. “Particle Therapy System”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,247,869 (Jul. 24, 2007) and U.S. Pat. No. 7,154,108 (Dec. 26, 2006) each describe a particle therapy system capable of measuring energy of a charged particle beam during irradiation of cancerous tissue. The system includes a beam passage between a pair of collimators, an energy detector, and a signal processing unit.

G. Kraft, et. al. “Ion Beam Scanner System and Operating Method”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,891,177 (May 10, 2005) describe an ion beam scanning system having a mechanical alignment system for the target volume to be scanned allowing for depth modulation of the ion beam by means of a linear motor and transverse displacement of energy absorption means resulting in depth-staggered scanning of volume elements of a target volume.

G. Hartmann, et. al. “Method for Operating an Ion Beam Therapy System by Monitoring the Distribution of the Radiation Dose”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,736,831 (May 18, 2004) describe a method for operation of an ion beam therapy system having a grid scanner that irradiates and scans an area surrounding an isocentre. Both the depth dose distribution and the transverse dose distribution of the grid scanner device at various positions in the region of the isocentre are measured and evaluated.

Y. Jongen “Method for Treating a Target Volume with a Particle Beam and Device Implementing Same”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,717,162 (Apr. 6, 2004) describes a method of producing from a particle beam a narrow spot directed toward a target volume, characterized in that the spot sweeping speed and particle beam intensity are simultaneously varied.

G. Kraft, et. al. “Device for Irradiating a Tumor Tissue”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,710,362 (Mar. 23, 2004) describe a method and apparatus of irradiating a tumor tissue, where the apparatus has an electromagnetically driven ion-braking device in the proton beam path for depth-wise adaptation of the proton beam that adjusts both the ion beam direction and ion beam range.

K. Matsuda, et. al. “Charged Particle Beam Irradiation Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,617,598 (Sep. 9, 2003) describe a charged particle beam irradiation apparatus that increases the width in a depth direction of a Bragg peak by passing the Bragg peak through an enlarging device containing three ion beam components having different energies produced according to the difference between passed positions of each of the filter elements.

H. Stelzer, et. al. “Ionization Chamber for Ion Beams and Method for Monitoring the Intensity of an Ion Beam”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,437,513 (Aug. 20, 2002) describe an ionization chamber for ion beams and a method of monitoring the intensity of an ion therapy beam. The ionization chamber includes a chamber housing, a beam inlet window, a beam outlet window and a chamber volume filled with counting gas.

H. Akiyama, et. al. “Charged-Particle Beam Irradiation Method and System”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,433,349 (Aug. 13, 2002) and H. Akiyama, et. al. “Charged-Particle Beam Irradiation Method and System”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,265,837 (Jul. 24, 2001) both describe a charged particle beam irradiation system that includes a changer for changing energy of the particle and an intensity controller for controlling an intensity of the charged-particle beam.

Y. Pu “Charged Particle Beam Irradiation Apparatus and Method of Irradiation with Charged Particle Beam”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,034,377 (Mar. 7, 2000) describes a charged particle beam irradiation apparatus having an energy degrader comprising: (1) a cylindrical member having a length; and (2) a distribution of wall thickness in a circumferential direction around an axis of rotation, where thickness of the wall determines energy degradation of the irradiation beam.

Dosage

K. Matsuda, et. al. “Particle Beam Irradiation System”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,372,053 (Nov. 27, 2007) describe a particle beam irradiation system ensuring a more uniform dose distribution at an irradiation object through use of a stop signal, which stops the output of the ion beam from the irradiation device.

H. Sakamoto, et. al. “Radiation Treatment Plan Making System and Method”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,054,801 (May 30, 2006) describe a radiation exposure system that divides an exposure region into a plurality of exposure regions and uses a radiation simulation to plan radiation treatment conditions to obtain flat radiation exposure to the desired region.

G. Hartmann, et. al. “Method For Verifying the Calculated Radiation Dose of an Ion Beam Therapy System”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,799,068 (Sep. 28, 2004) describe a method for the verification of the calculated dose of an ion beam therapy system that comprises a phantom and a discrepancy between the calculated radiation dose and the phantom.

H. Brand, et. al. “Method for Monitoring the Irradiation Control of an Ion Beam Therapy System”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,614,038 (Sep. 2, 2003) describe a method of checking a calculated irradiation control unit of an ion beam therapy system, where scan data sets, control computer parameters, measuring sensor parameters, and desired current values of scanner magnets are permanently stored.

T. Kan, et. al. “Water Phantom Type Dose Distribution Determining Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,207,952 (Mar. 27, 2001) describe a water phantom type dose distribution apparatus that includes a closed water tank, filled with water to the brim, having an inserted sensor that is used to determine an actual dose distribution of radiation prior to radiation therapy.

Starting/Stopping Irradiation

K. Hiramoto, et. al. “Charged Particle Beam Apparatus and Method for Operating the Same”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,316,776 (Nov. 13, 2001) describe a charged particle beam apparatus where a charged particle beam is positioned, started, stopped, and repositioned repetitively. Residual particles are used in the accelerator without supplying new particles if sufficient charge is available.

K. Matsuda, et. al. “Method and Apparatus for Controlling Circular Accelerator”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,462,490 (Oct. 8, 2002) describe a control method and apparatus for a circular accelerator for adjusting timing of emitted charged particles. The clock pulse is suspended after delivery of a charged particle stream and is resumed on the basis of state of an object to be irradiated.

Movable Patient

N. Rigney, et. al. “Patient Alignment System with External Measurement and Object Coordination for Radiation Therapy System”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,199,382 (Apr. 3, 2007) describe a patient alignment system for a radiation therapy system that includes multiple external measurement devices that obtain position measurements of movable components of the radiation therapy system. The alignment system uses the external measurements to provide corrective positioning feedback to more precisely register the patient to the radiation beam.

Y. Muramatsu, et. al. “Medical Particle Irradiation Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,030,396 (Apr. 18, 2006); Y. Muramatsu, et. al. “Medical Particle Irradiation Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,903,356 (Jun. 7, 2005); and Y. Muramatsu, et. al. “Medical Particle Irradiation Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,803,591 (Oct. 12, 2004) all describe a medical particle irradiation apparatus having a rotating gantry, an annular frame located within the gantry such that it can rotate relative to the rotating gantry, an anti-correlation mechanism to keep the frame from rotating with the gantry, and a flexible moving floor engaged with the frame in such a manner to move freely with a substantially level bottom while the gantry rotates.

H. Nonaka, et. al. “Rotating Radiation Chamber for Radiation Therapy”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,993,373 (Nov. 30, 1999) describe a horizontal movable floor composed of a series of multiple plates that are connected in a free and flexible manner, where the movable floor is moved in synchrony with rotation of a radiation beam irradiation section.

Respiration

K. Matsuda “Radioactive Beam Irradiation Method and Apparatus Taking Movement of the Irradiation Area Into Consideration”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,538,494 (Jul. 23, 1996) describes a method and apparatus that enables irradiation even in the case of a diseased part changing position due to physical activity, such as breathing and heart beat. Initially, a position change of a diseased body part and physical activity of the patient are measured concurrently and a relationship therebetween is defined as a function. Radiation therapy is performed in accordance to the function.

Patient Positioning

Y. Nagamine, et. al. “Patient Positioning Device and Patient Positioning Method”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,212,609 (May 1, 2007) and Y. Nagamine, et. al. “Patient Positioning Device and Patient Positioning Method”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,212,608 (May 1, 2007) describe a patient positioning system that compares a comparison area of a reference X-ray image and a current X-ray image of a current patient location using pattern matching.

D. Miller, et. al. “Modular Patient Support System”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,173,265 (Feb. 6, 2007) describe a radiation treatment system having a patient support system that includes a modularly expandable patient pod and at least one immobilization device, such as a moldable foam cradle.

K. Kato, et. al. “Multi-Leaf Collimator and Medical System Including Accelerator”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,931,100 (Aug. 16, 2005); K. Kato, et. al. “Multi-Leaf Collimator and Medical System Including Accelerator”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,823,045 (Nov. 23, 2004); K. Kato, et. al. “Multi-Leaf Collimator and Medical System Including Accelerator”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,819,743 (Nov. 16, 2004); and K. Kato, et. al. “Multi-Leaf Collimator and Medical System Including Accelerator”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,792,078 (Sep. 14, 2004) all describe a system of leaf plates used to shorten positioning time of a patient for irradiation therapy. Motor driving force is transmitted to a plurality of leaf plates at the same time through a pinion gear. The system also uses upper and lower air cylinders and upper and lower guides to position a patient.

Imaging

P. Adamee, et. al. “Charged Particle Beam Apparatus and Method for Operating the Same”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,274,018 (Sep. 25, 2007) and P. Adamee, et. al. “Charged Particle Beam Apparatus and Method for Operating the Same”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,045,781 (May 16, 2006) describe a charged particle beam apparatus configured for serial and/or parallel imaging of an object.

K. Hiramoto, et. al. “Ion Beam Therapy System and its Couch Positioning System”, U.S. Pat. No. 7,193,227 (Mar. 20, 2007) describe an ion beam therapy system having an X-ray imaging system moving in conjunction with a rotating gantry.

C. Maurer, et. al. “Apparatus and Method for Registration of Images to Physical Space Using a Weighted Combination of Points and Surfaces”, U.S. Pat. No. 6,560,354 (May 6, 2003) described a process of X-ray computed tomography registered to physical measurements taken on the patient's body, where different body parts are given different weights. Weights are used in an iterative registration process to determine a rigid body transformation process, where the transformation function is used to assist surgical or stereotactic procedures.

M. Blair, et. al. “Proton Beam Digital Imaging System”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,825,845 (Oct. 20, 1998) describe a proton beam digital imaging system having an X-ray source that is movable into the treatment beam line that can produce an X-ray beam through a region of the body. By comparison of the relative positions of the center of the beam in the patient orientation image and the isocentre in the master prescription image with respect to selected monuments, the amount and direction of movement of the patient to make the best beam center correspond to the target isocentre is determined.

S. Nishihara, et. al. “Therapeutic Apparatus”, U.S. Pat. No. 5,039,867 (Aug. 13, 1991) describe a method and apparatus for positioning a therapeutic beam in which a first distance is determined on the basis of a first image, a second distance is determined on the basis of a second image, and the patient is moved to a therapy beam irradiation position on the basis of the first and second distances.

Problem

There exists in the art a need for accurate and precise imaging of a body. Further, there exists a need for 3-dimensional imaging of a tumor in a body. Still further, there exists a need for an X-ray tomography system, such as for imaging a tumor where the image is used in conjunction with charged particle cancer therapy irradiation of the tumor.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 illustrates component connections of a particle beam therapy system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a charged particle therapy system;

FIG. 3 illustrates straight and turning sections of a synchrotron

FIG. 4 illustrates turning magnets of a synchrotron;

FIG. 5 provides a perspective view of a main bending magnet;

FIG. 6 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a main bending magnet;

FIG. 7 illustrates a cross-sectional view of a main bending magnet;

FIG. 8 illustrates magnetic field concentration in a main bending magnet;

FIG. 9 illustrates correction coils in a main bending magnet;

FIG. 10 illustrates a magnetic turning section of a synchrotron;

FIG. 11 illustrates a magnetic field control system;

FIG. 12 illustrates a charged particle extraction and intensity control system;

FIG. 13 illustrates a patient positioning system from: (A) a front view and (B) a top view;

FIG. 14 illustrates multi-dimensional scanning of a charged particle beam spot scanning system operating on: (A) a 2-D slice or (B) a 3-D volume of a tumor;

FIG. 15 illustrates an electron gun source used in generating X-rays coupled with a particle beam therapy system;

FIG. 16 illustrates an X-ray source proximate a particle beam path;

FIG. 17 illustrates an expanded X-ray beam path;

FIG. 18 illustrates 2-dimensional X-rays in combination with patient rotation;

FIG. 19 provide a flowchart of synchrotron use;

FIG. 20 illustrates a positioning system;

FIG. 21 illustrates a head restraint system; and

FIG. 22 illustrates hand and head supports.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention comprises an X-ray tomography method and apparatus.

In one embodiment, a series of two-dimensional (2-D) X-ray images of a region of a patient's body are collected while the patient is rotated. In this embodiment, the X-ray source and detector are stationary while the patient rotates. An algorithm processes the series of 2-D X-ray images to create a three-dimensional (3-D) image of the region of the patient's body, such as about a tumor.

In another embodiment, the 2-D X-ray images are generated using an X-ray source proximate a charged particle beam in a charged particle cancer therapy system.

In yet another embodiment, the X-ray tomography system uses an electron source having a geometry that enhances an electron source lifetime, where the electron source is used in generation of X-rays.

In still yet another embodiment, the X-ray tomography system is used to image a tumor and the image is used in conjunction with multi-axis controlled charged particle beam radiation therapy of the imaged tumor.

Used in conjunction with the X-ray tomography system, novel features of a synchrotron are described. Particularly, intensity control of a charged particle beam acceleration, extraction, and/or targeting method and apparatus used in conjunction with charged particle beam radiation therapy of cancerous tumors is described. More particularly, intensity and energy control of a charged particle stream of a synchrotron is described where the synchrotron includes any of: main bending magnets, edge focusing magnets, concentrating magnetic field magnets, winding and control coils, and extraction elements of the synchrotron. The synchrotron control elements allow tight control of the charged particle beam, which compliments the tight control of patient positioning to yield efficient treatment of a solid tumor with reduced tissue damage to surrounding healthy tissue. In addition, the system reduces the overall size of the synchrotron, provides a tightly controlled proton beam, directly reduces the size of required magnetic fields, directly reduces required operating power, and allows continual acceleration of protons in a synchrotron even during a process of extracting protons from the synchrotron.

Cyclotron/Synchrotron

A cyclotron uses a constant magnetic field and a constant-frequency applied electric field. One of the two fields is varied in a synchrocyclotron. Both of these fields are varied in a synchrotron. Thus, a synchrotron is a particular type of cyclic particle accelerator in which a magnetic field is used to turn the particles so they circulate and an electric field is used to accelerate the particles. The synchroton carefully synchronizes the applied fields with the travelling particle beam.

By increasing the fields appropriately as the particles gain energy, the charged particles path can be held constant as they are accelerated. This allows the vacuum container for the particles to be a large thin torus. In practice it is easier to use some straight sections between the bending magnets and some turning sections giving the torus the shape of a round-cornered polygon. A path of large effective radius is thus constructed using simple straight and curved pipe segments, unlike the disc-shaped chamber of the cyclotron type devices. The shape also allows and requires the use of multiple magnets to bend the particle beam.

The maximum energy that a cyclic accelerator can impart is typically limited by the strength of the magnetic fields and the minimum radius/maximum curvature, of the particle path. In a cyclotron the maximum radius is quite limited as the particles start at the center and spiral outward, thus this entire path must be a self-supporting disc-shaped evacuated chamber. Since the radius is limited, the power of the machine becomes limited by the strength of the magnetic field. In the case of an ordinary electromagnet, the field strength is limited by the saturation of the core because when all magnetic domains are aligned the field may not be further increased to any practical extent. The arrangement of the single pair of magnets also limits the economic size of the device.

Synchrotrons overcome these limitations, using a narrow beam pipe surrounded by much smaller and more tightly focusing magnets. The ability of this device to accelerate particles is limited by the fact that the particles must be charged to be accelerated at all, but charged particles under acceleration emit photons, thereby losing energy. The limiting beam energy is reached when the energy lost to the lateral acceleration required to maintain the beam path in a circle equals the energy added each cycle. More powerful accelerators are built by using large radius paths and by using more numerous and more powerful microwave cavities to accelerate the particle beam between corners. Lighter particles, such as electrons, lose a larger fraction of their energy when turning. Practically speaking, the energy of electron/positron accelerators is limited by this radiation loss, while it does not play a significant role in the dynamics of proton or ion accelerators. The energy of those is limited strictly by the strength of magnets and by the cost.

Charged Particle Beam Therapy

Throughout this document, a charged particle beam therapy system, such as a proton beam, hydrogen ion beam, or carbon ion beam, is described. Herein, the charged particle beam therapy system is described using a proton beam.

However, the aspects taught and described in terms of a proton beam are not intended to be limiting to that of a proton beam and are illustrative of a charged particle beam system. Any charged particle beam system is equally applicable to the techniques described herein.

Referring now to FIG. 1, a charged particle beam system 100 is illustrated. The charged particle beam preferably comprises a number of subsystems including any of: a main controller 110; an injection system 120; a synchrotron 130 that typically includes: (1) an accelerator system 132 and (2) an extraction system 134; a scanning/targeting/delivery system 140; a patient interface module 150; a display system 160; and/or an imaging system 170.

An exemplary method of use of the charged particle beam system 100 is provided. The main controller 110 controls one or more of the subsystems to accurately and precisely deliver protons to a tumor of a patient. For example, the main controller 110 obtains an image, such as a portion of a body and/or of a tumor, from the imaging system 170. The main controller 110 also obtains position and/or timing information from the patient interface module 150. The main controller 110 then optionally controls the injection system 120 to inject a proton beam into a synchrotron 130. The synchrotron typically contains at least an accelerator system 132 and an extraction system 134. The main controller preferably controls the proton beam within the accelerator system, such as by controlling speed, trajectory, and timing of the proton beam. The main controller then controls extraction of a proton beam from the accelerator through the extraction system 134. For example, the controller controls timing, energy, and/or intensity of the extracted beam. The controller 110 also preferably controls targeting of the proton beam through the scanning/targeting/delivery system 140 to the patient interface module 150. One or more components of the patient interface module 150 are preferably controlled by the main controller 110. Further, display elements of the display system 160 are preferably controlled via the main controller 110. Displays, such as display screens, are typically provided to one or more operators and/or to one or more patients. In one embodiment, the main controller 110 times the delivery of the proton beam from all systems, such that protons are delivered in an optimal therapeutic manner to the patient.

Herein, the main controller 110 refers to a single system controlling the charged particle beam system 100, to a single controller controlling a plurality of subsystems controlling the charged particle beam system 100, or to a plurality of individual controllers controlling one or more sub-systems of the charged particle beam system 100.

Synchrotron

Herein, the term synchrotron is used to refer to a system maintaining the charged particle beam in a circulating path; however, cyclotrons are alternatively used, albeit with their inherent limitations of energy, intensity, and extraction control. Further, the charged particle beam is referred to herein as circulating along a circulating path about a central point of the synchrotron. The circulating path is alternatively referred to as an orbiting path; however, the orbiting path does not refer a perfect circle or ellipse, rather it refers to cycling of the protons around a central point or region.

Referring now to FIG. 2, an illustrative exemplary embodiment of one version of the charged particle beam system 100 is provided. The number, position, and described type of components is illustrative and non-limiting in nature. In the illustrated embodiment, an injector system 120 or charged particle beam source generates protons. The protons are delivered into a vacuum tube that runs into, through, and out of the synchrotron. The generated protons are delivered along an initial path 262. Focusing magnets 230, such as quadrupole magnets or injection quadrupole magnets, are used to focus the proton beam path. An injector bending magnet 232 bends the proton beam toward the plane of the synchrotron 130. The focused protons having an initial energy are introduced into an injector magnet 240, which is preferably an injection Lamberson magnet. Typically, the initial beam path 262 is along an axis off of, such as above, a circulating plane of the synchrotron 130. The injector bending magnet 232 and injector magnet 240 combine to move the protons into the synchrotron 130. Main bending magnets, circulating magnets, or bending magnets 250 are used to turn the protons along a circulating beam path 264. The main bending magnets 250 bend the initial beam path 262 into a circulating beam path 264. In this example, the main bending magnets 250 or circulating magnets are represented as four sets of four magnets to maintain the circulating beam path 264 into a stable circulating beam path. However, any number of magnets or sets of magnets are optionally used to move the protons around a single orbit in the circulation process. The protons pass through an accelerator 270. The accelerator accelerates the protons in the circulating beam path 264. As the protons are accelerated, the fields applied by the magnets 250 are increased. Particularly, the speed of the protons achieved by the accelerator 270 are synchronized with magnetic fields of the main bending magnets 250 or circulating magnets to maintain stable circulation of the protons about a central point or region 280 of the synchrotron. At separate points in time the accelerator 270/main bending magnet 250 combination is used to accelerate and/or decelerate the circulating protons while maintaining the protons in the circulating path or orbit. An extraction element of the inflector/deflector system 290 is used in combination with a Lamberson extraction magnet 292 to remove protons from their circulating beam path 264 within the synchrotron 130. One example of a deflector component is a Lamberson magnet. Typically the deflector moves the protons from the circulating plane to an axis off of the circulating plane, such as above the circulating plane. Extracted protons are preferably directed and/or focused using an extraction bending magnet 237 and extraction focusing magnets 235, such as quadrupole magnets along a transport path 268 into the scanning/targeting/delivery system 140. Two components of a scanning system 140 or targeting system typically include a first axis control 142, such as a vertical control, and a second axis control 144, such as a horizontal control. A nozzle system 146 is optionally used for imaging the proton beam and/or as a vacuum barrier between the low pressure beam path of the synchrotron and the atmosphere. Protons are delivered with control to the patient interface module 150 and to a tumor of a patient. All of the above listed elements are optional and may be used in various permutations and combinations.

Circulating System

A synchrotron 130 preferably comprises a combination of straight sections 310 and ion beam turning sections 320. Hence, the circulating path of the protons is not circular in a synchrotron, but is rather a polygon with rounded corners.

In one illustrative embodiment, the synchrotron 130, which is also referred to as an accelerator system, has four straight elements and four turning sections. Examples of straight sections 310 include the: Lamberson injector magnet 240, accelerator 270, inflector/deflector system 290, and extraction Lamberson magnet 292. Along with the four straight sections are four ion beam turning sections 320, which are also referred to as magnet sections or turning sections. Turning sections are further described, infra.

Referring now to FIG. 3, an exemplary synchrotron is illustrated. In this example, protons delivered along the initial proton beam path 262 are inflected into the circulating beam path 264 with an inflector element of the inflector/deflector system 290 and after acceleration are extracted via the extraction Lamberson magnet 292 to a beam transport path 268. In this example, the synchrotron 130 comprises four straight sections 310 and four turning sections 320 where each of the four turning sections use one or more magnets to turn the proton beam about ninety degrees. As is further described, infra, the ability to closely space the turning sections and efficiently turn the proton beam results in shorter straight sections. Shorter straight sections allows for a synchrotron design without the use of focusing quadrupoles in the circulating beam path of the synchrotron. The removal of the focusing quadrupoles from the circulating proton beam path results in a more compact design. In this example, the illustrated synchrotron has about a five meter diameter versus eight meter and larger cross-sectional diameters for systems using a quadrupole focusing magnet in the circulating proton beam path.

Referring now to FIG. 4, additional description of the first turning section 320 is provided. Each of the turning sections preferably comprises multiple magnets, such as about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 magnets. In this example, two turning magnets or bending magnets 410, 420 in the first turning section 320 are used to illustrate key principles, which are the same regardless of the number of magnets in a turning section 320. A turning magnet 410 is a particular type of main bending magnet 250.

In physics, the Lorentz force is the force on a point charge due to electromagnetic fields. The Lorentz force is given by equation 1 in terms of magnetic fields with the election field terms not included. F=q(v×B)  eq. 1

In equation 1, F is the force in newtons; B is the magnetic field in Teslas; and v is the instantaneous velocity of the particles in meters per second.

Referring now to FIG. 5, an example of a single magnet turning section 410 is expanded. The turning section includes a gap 510 through which protons circulate. The gap is preferably a flat gap, allowing for a magnetic field across the gap that is more uniform, even, and intense. A magnetic field enters the gap through a magnetic field incident surface and exits the gap through a magnetic field exiting surface. The gap 510 runs in a vacuum tube between two magnet halves. The gap is controlled by at least two parameters: (1) the gap 510 is kept as large as possible to minimize loss of protons and (2) the gap 510 is kept as small as possible to minimize magnet sizes and the associated size and power requirements of the magnet power supplies. The flat nature of the gap 510 allows for a compressed and more uniform magnetic field across the gap. One example of a gap dimension is to accommodate a vertical proton beam size of about 2 cm with a horizontal beam size of about five to six centimeters. In a second example, the gap has a vertical dimension of about 25 or 30 millimeters.

As described, supra, a larger gap size requires a larger power supply. For instance, if the gap size doubles in vertical size, then the power supply requirements increase by about a factor of four. The flatness of the gap is also important. For example, the flat nature of the gap allows for an increase in energy of the extracted protons from about 250 to about 330 MeV. More particularly, if the gap 510 has an extremely flat surface, then the limits of a magnetic field of an iron magnet are reachable. An exemplary precision of the flat surface of the gap 510 is a polish of less than about five microns and preferably with a polish of about one to three microns. Unevenness in the surface results in imperfections in the applied magnetic field. The polished flat surface spreads unevenness of the applied magnetic field.

Still referring to FIG. 5, the charged particle beam moves through the gap with an instantaneous velocity, v. A first magnetic coil 520 and a second magnetic coil 530 run above and below the gap 510, respectively. Current running through the coils 520, 530 results in a magnetic field, B, running through the single magnet turning section 410. In this example, the magnetic field, B, runs upward, which results in a force, F, pushing the charged particle beam inward toward a central point of the synchrotron, which turns the charged particle beam in an arc.

Still referring to FIG. 5, a portion of an optional second magnet turning section 420 is illustrated. The coils 520, 530 typically have return elements 540, 550 or turns at the end of one magnet, such as at the end of the first magnet turning section 410. The return elements or turns 540 take space. The space reduces the percentage of the path about one orbit of the synchrotron that is covered by the turning magnets. This leads to portions of the circulating path where the protons are not turned and/or focused and allows for portions of the circulating path where the proton path defocuses. Thus, the space results in a larger synchrotron. Therefore, the space between magnet turning sections 590 is preferably minimized. The second turning magnet is used to illustrate that the coils 520, 530 optionally run along a plurality of magnets, such as 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, or more magnets. Coils 520, 530 running across multiple magnet turning sections 410, 420 allows for two turning section magnets to be spatially positioned closer to each other due to the removal of the steric constraint of the turns, which reduces and/or minimizes the space 590 between two magnet turning sections 410, 420.

Referring now to FIGS. 6 and 7, two illustrative 90 degree rotated cross-sections of single magnet turning sections 410 are presented. The magnet assembly has a first magnet 610 and a second magnet 620. A magnetic field induced by coils, described infra, runs between the first magnet 610 to the second magnet 620 across the gap 510. Return magnetic fields run through a first yoke 612 and second yoke 622. Preferably, the combined cross-sectional area of the return yokes roughly approximates the cross-sectional area of the first magnet 610 or second magnet 620. The charged particles run through the vacuum tube in the gap 510. As illustrated, protons run into FIG. 6 through the gap 510 and the magnetic field, illustrated as vector B, applies a force F to the protons pushing the protons towards the center of the synchrotron, which is off page to the right in FIG. 6. The magnetic field is created using windings. First windings 650 and second windings 660 are illustrated. Isolating gaps 630, 640, such as air gaps, isolate the iron based yokes 612, 622 from the gap 510. The gap 510 is approximately flat to yield a uniform magnetic field across the gap 510, as described supra.

Referring again to FIG. 7, the ends of a single turning magnet are preferably beveled. Nearly perpendicular or right angle edges of a turning magnet 410 are represented by dashed lines 674, 684. The dashed lines 674, 684 intersect at a point 690 beyond the center of the synchrotron 280. Preferably, the edge of the turning magnet is beveled at angles alpha, α, and beta, β, which are angles formed by a first line 672, 682 going from an edge of the turning magnet 410 and the center 280 and a second line 674, 684 going from the same edge of the turning magnet and the intersecting point 690. The angle alpha is used to describe the effect and the description of angle alpha applies to angle beta, but angle alpha is optionally different from angle beta. The angle alpha provides an edge focusing effect. Beveling the edge of the turning magnet 410 at angle alpha focuses the proton beam.

Multiple turning magnets provide multiple magnet edges that each have edge focusing effects in the synchrotron 130. If only one turning magnet is used, then the beam is only focused once for angle alpha or twice for angle alpha and angle beta. However, by using smaller turning magnets, more turning magnets fit into the turning sections 320 of the synchrotron 130. For example, if four magnets are used in a turning section 320 of the synchrotron, then for a single turning section there are eight possible edge focusing effect surfaces, two edges per magnet. The eight focusing surfaces yield a smaller cross-sectional beam size. This allows the use of a smaller gap 510.

The use of multiple edge focusing effects in the turning magnets results in not only a smaller gap, but also the use of smaller magnets and smaller power supplies. For a synchrotron 130 having four turning sections 320 where each turning sections has four turning magnets and each turning magnet has two focusing edges, a total of thirty-two focusing edges exist for each orbit of the protons in the circulating path of the synchrotron 130. Similarly, if 2, 6, or 8 magnets are used in a given turning section, or if 2, 3, 5, or 6 turning sections are used, then the number of edge focusing surfaces expands or contracts according to equation 2.

$\begin{matrix} {{TFE} = {{NTS}*\frac{M}{NTS}*\frac{FE}{M}}} & {{eq}.\mspace{14mu} 2} \end{matrix}$ where TFE is the number of total focusing edges, NTS is the number of turning sections, M is the number of magnets, and FE is the number of focusing edges. Naturally, not all magnets are necessarily beveled and some magnets are optionally beveled on only one edge.

The inventors have determined that multiple smaller magnets have benefits over fewer larger magnets. For example, the use of 16 small magnets yields 32 focusing edges whereas the use of 4 larger magnets yields only 8 focusing edges. The use of a synchrotron having more focusing edges results in a circulating path of the synchrotron built without the use of focusing quadrupoles magnets. All prior art synchrotrons use quadrupoles in the circulating path of the synchrotron. Further, the use of quadrupoles in the circulating path necessitates additional straight sections in the circulating path of the synchrotron. Thus, the use of quadrupoles in the circulating path of a synchrotron results in synchrotrons having larger diameters, circulating beam pathlengths, and/or larger circumferences.

In various embodiments of the system described herein, the synchrotron has one or more or a combination of:

-   -   at least 4 and preferably 6, 8, 10, or more edge focusing edges         per 90 degrees of turn of the charged particle beam in a         synchrotron having four turning sections;     -   at least about 16 and preferably about 24, 32, or more edge         focusing edges per orbit of the charged particle beam in the         synchrotron;     -   only 4 turning sections where each of the turning sections         includes at least 4 and preferably 8 edge focusing edges;     -   an equal number of straight sections and turning sections;     -   exactly 4 turning sections;     -   at least 4 edge focusing edges per turning section;     -   no quadrupoles in the circulating path of the synchrotron;     -   a rounded corner rectangular polygon configuration;     -   a circumference of less than 60 meters;     -   a circumference of less than 60 meters and 32 edge focusing         surfaces; and/or     -   any of about 8, 16, 24, or 32 non-quadrupole magnets per         circulating path of the synchrotron, where the non-quadrupole         magnets include edge focusing edges.

Referring now to FIG. 6, the incident magnetic field surface 670 of the first magnet 610 is further described. FIG. 6 is not to scale and is illustrative in nature. Local imperfections or unevenness in quality of the finish of the incident surface 670 results in inhomogeneities or imperfections in the magnetic field applied to the gap 510. Preferably, the incident surface 670 is flat, such as to within about a zero to three micron finish polish, or less preferably to about a ten micron finish polish.

Referring now to FIG. 8, additional magnet elements, of the magnet cross-section illustratively represented in FIG. 6, are described. The first magnet 610 preferably contains an initial cross-sectional distance 810 of the iron based core. The contours of the magnetic field are shaped by the magnets 610, 620 and the yokes 612, 622. The iron based core tapers to a second cross-sectional distance 820. The magnetic field in the magnet preferentially stays in the iron based core as opposed to the gaps 630, 640. As the cross-sectional distance decreases from the initial cross-sectional distance 810 to the final cross-sectional distance 820, the magnetic field concentrates. The change in shape of the magnet from the longer distance 810 to the smaller distance 820 acts as an amplifier. The concentration of the magnetic field is illustrated by representing an initial density of magnetic field vectors 830 in the initial cross-section 810 to a concentrated density of magnetic field vectors 840 in the final cross-section 820. The concentration of the magnetic field due to the geometry of the turning magnets results in fewer winding coils 650, 660 being required and also a smaller power supply to the coils being required.

Example I

In one example, the initial cross-section distance 810 is about fifteen centimeters and the final cross-section distance 820 is about ten centimeters. Using the provided numbers, the concentration of the magnetic field is about 15/10 or 1.5 times at the incident surface 670 of the gap 510, though the relationship is not linear. The taper 860 has a slope, such as about 20, 30, 40, 50, or 60 degrees. The concentration of the magnetic field, such as by 1.5 times, leads to a corresponding decrease in power consumption requirements to the magnets.

Referring now to FIG. 9, an additional example of geometry of the magnet used to concentrate the magnetic field is illustrated. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the first magnet 610 preferably contains an initial cross-sectional distance 810 of the iron based core. The contours of the magnetic field are shaped by the magnets 610, 620 and the yokes 612, 622. In this example, the core tapers to a second cross-sectional distance 820 with a smaller angle theta, θ. As described, supra, the magnetic field in the magnet preferentially stays in the iron based core as opposed to the gaps 630, 640. As the cross-sectional distance decreases from the initial cross-sectional distance 810 to the final cross-sectional distance 820, the magnetic field concentrates. The smaller angle, theta, results in a greater amplification of the magnetic field in going from the longer distance 810 to the smaller distance 820. The concentration of the magnetic field is illustrated by representing an initial density of magnetic field vectors 830 in the initial cross-section 810 to a concentrated density of magnetic field vectors 840 in the final cross-section 820. The concentration of the magnetic field due to the geometry of the turning magnets results in fewer winding coils 650, 660 being required and also a smaller power supply to the winding coils 650, 660 being required.

Still referring to FIG. 9, optional correction coils 910, 920 are illustrated that are used to correct the magnets strength of one or more turning magnets. The correction coils 910, 920 supplement the winding coils 650, 660. The correction coils 910, 920 have correction coil power supplies that are separate from winding coil power supplies used with the winding coils 650, 660. The correction coil power supplies typically operate at a fraction of the power required compared to the winding coil power supplies, such as about 1, 2, 3, 5, 7, or 10 percent of the power and more preferably about 1 or 2 percent of the power used with the winding coils 650, 660. The smaller operating power applied to the correction coils 910, 920 allows for more accurate and/or precise control of the correction coils. The correction coils are used to adjust for imperfection in a magnetic field produced by the turning magnets 410, 420. Optionally, separate correction coils are used for each turning magnet allowing individual tuning of the magnetic field for each turning magnet, which eases quality requirements in the manufacture of each turning magnet.

Referring now to FIG. 10, an example of winding coils and correction coils about a plurality of turning magnets 410, 420 in an ion beam turning section 320 is illustrated. One or more high precision magnetic field sensors are placed into the synchrotron and are used to measure the magnetic field at or near the proton beam path. For example, the magnetic sensors 1050 are optionally placed between turning magnets and/or within a turning magnet, such as at or near the gap or at or near the magnet core or yoke. The sensors are part of a feedback system to the correction coils. Thus, the system preferably stabilizes the magnetic field in the synchrotron elements rather that stabilizing the current applied to the magnets. Stabilization of the magnetic field allows the synchrotron to come to a new energy level quickly. This allows the system to be controlled to an operator or algorithm selected energy level with each pulse of the synchrotron and/or with each breath of the patient.

In one example, a correction coil 1010 adjusts the magnetic field of only a single turning magnet 410. In a second example, a correction coil 1020 corrects magnetic fields of two or more magnets. As illustrated, a winding 1030 covers four magnets, but can cover 1, 2, or 4 magnets. The winding 1030 covering multiple magnets reduces space 590 between magnets and has fewer ends 540, 550.

Example II

Referring now to FIG. 11, an example is used to clarify the magnetic field control using a feedback loop 1100 to change delivery times and/or periods of proton pulse delivery. In one case, a respiratory sensor 1110 senses the breathing cycle of the subject. The respiratory sensor sends the information to an algorithm in a magnetic field controller 1120, typically via the patient interface module 150 and/or via the main controller 110 or a subcomponent thereof. The algorithm predicts and/or measures when the subject is at a particular point in the breathing cycle, such as at the bottom of a breath. Magnetic field sensors 1130, such as the high precision magnetic field sensors, are used as input to the magnetic field controller, which controls a magnet power supply 1140 for a given magnetic field 1150, such as within a first turning magnet 410 of a synchrotron 130. The control feedback loop is thus used to dial the synchrotron to a selected energy level and deliver protons with the desired energy at a selected point in time, such as at the bottom of the breath. More particularly, the synchrotron accelerates the protons and the control feedback loop keeps the protons in the circulating path by synchronously adjusting the magnetic field strength of the turning magnets. Intensity of the proton beam is also selectable at this stage. The feedback control to the correction coils allows rapid selection of energy levels of the synchrotron that are tied to the patient's breathing cycle. This system is in stark contrast to a system where the current is stabilized and the synchrotron deliver pulses with a period, such as 10 or 20 cycles second with a fixed period.

The feedback or the magnetic field design coupled with the correction coils allows for the extraction cycle to match the varying respiratory rate of the patient.

Traditional extraction systems do not allow this control as magnets have memories in terms of both magnitude and amplitude of a sine wave. Hence, in a traditional system, in order to change frequency, slow changes in current must be used. However, with the use of the feedback loop using the magnetic field sensors, the frequency and energy level of the synchrotron are rapidly adjustable. Further aiding this process is the use of a novel extraction system that allows for acceleration of the protons during the extraction process, described infra.

Example III

Referring again to FIG. 10, an example of a winding coil 1030 that covers two turning magnets 410, 420 is provided. Optionally, a first winding coil 1030 covers two magnets 410, 420 and a second winding coil covers another two magnets 430, 440. As described, supra, this system reduces space between turning section allowing more magnetic field to be applied per radian of turn. A first correction coil 1010 is illustrated that is used to correct the magnetic field for the first turning magnet 410. Individual correction coils for each turning magnet are preferred and individual correction coils yield the most precise and/or accurate magnetic field in each turning section. Particularly, the individual correction coil 1010 is used to compensate for imperfections in the individual magnet of a given turning section. Hence, with a series of magnetic field sensors, corresponding magnetic fields are individually adjustable in a series of feedback loops, via a magnetic field monitoring system 1030, as an independent coil is used for each turning section magnet. Alternatively, a multiple magnet correction coil 1020 is used to correct the magnetic field for a plurality of turning section magnets.

Flat Gap Surface

While the gap surface is described in terms of the first turning magnet 410, the discussion applies to each of the turning magnets in the synchrotron. Similarly, while the gap 510 surface is described in terms of the magnetic field incident surface 670, the discussion additionally optionally applies to the magnetic field exiting surface 680.

The magnetic field incident surface 670 of the first magnet 610 is preferably about flat, such as to within about a zero to three micron finish polish or less preferably to about a ten micron finish polish. By being very flat, the polished surface spreads the unevenness of the applied magnetic field across the gap 510. The very flat surface, such as about 0, 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, or 20 micron finish, allows for a smaller gap size, a smaller applied magnetic field, smaller power supplies, and tighter control of the proton beam cross-sectional area.

Proton Beam Extraction

Referring now to FIG. 12, an exemplary proton extraction process from the synchrotron 130 is illustrated. For clarity, FIG. 12 removes elements represented in FIG. 2, such as the turning magnets, which allows for greater clarity of presentation of the proton beam path as a function of time. Generally, protons are extracted from the synchrotron 130 by slowing the protons. As described, supra, the protons were initially accelerated in a circulating path 264, which is maintained with a plurality of main bending magnets 250. The circulating path is referred to herein as an original central beamline 264. The protons repeatedly cycle around a central point 280 in the synchrotron 130. The proton path traverses through an RF cavity system 1210. To initiate extraction, an RF field is applied across a first blade 1212 and a second blade 1214, in the RF cavity system 1210. The first blade 1212 and second blade 1214 are referred to herein as a first pair of blades.

In the proton extraction process, an RF voltage is applied across the first pair of blades, where the first blade 1212 of the first pair of blades is on one side of the circulating proton beam path 264 and the second blade 1214 of the first pair of blades is on an opposite side of the circulating proton beam path 264. The applied RF field applies energy to the circulating charged-particle beam. The applied RF field alters the orbiting or circulating beam path slightly of the protons from the original central beamline 264 to an altered circulating beam path 265. Upon a second pass of the protons through the RF cavity system, the RF field further moves the protons off of the original proton beamline 264. For example, if the original beamline is considered as a circular path, then the altered beamline is slightly elliptical. The applied RF field is timed to apply outward or inward movement to a given band of protons circulating in the synchrotron accelerator. Each orbit of the protons is slightly more off axis compared to the original circulating beam path 264. Successive passes of the protons through the RF cavity system are forced further and further from the original central beamline 264 by altering the direction and/or intensity of the RF field with each successive pass of the proton beam through the RF field.

The RF voltage is frequency modulated at a frequency about equal to the period of one proton cycling around the synchrotron for one revolution or at a frequency than is an integral multiplier of the period of one proton cycling about the synchrotron. The applied RF frequency modulated voltage excites a betatron oscillation. For example, the oscillation is a sine wave motion of the protons. The process of timing the RF field to a given proton beam within the RF cavity system is repeated thousands of times with each successive pass of the protons being moved approximately one micrometer further off of the original central beamline 264. For clarity, the effect of the approximately 1000 changing beam paths with each successive path of a given band of protons through the RF field are illustrated as the altered beam path 265.

With a sufficient sine wave betatron amplitude, the altered circulating beam path 265 touches a material 1230, such as a foil or a sheet of foil. The foil is preferably a lightweight material, such as beryllium, a lithium hydride, a carbon sheet, or a material of low nuclear charge. A material of low nuclear charge is a material composed of atoms consisting essentially of atoms having six or fewer protons. The foil is preferably about 10 to 150 microns thick, is more preferably 30 to 100 microns thick, and is still more preferably 40-60 microns thick. In one example, the foil is beryllium with a thickness of about 50 microns. When the protons traverse through the foil, energy of the protons is lost and the speed of the protons is reduced. Typically, a current is also generated, described infra. Protons moving at a slower speed travel in the synchrotron with a reduced radius of curvature 266 compared to either the original central beamline 264 or the altered circulating path 265. The reduced radius of curvature 266 path is also referred to herein as a path having a smaller diameter of trajectory or a path having protons with reduced energy. The reduced radius of curvature 266 is typically about two millimeters less than a radius of curvature of the last pass of the protons along the altered proton beam path 265.

The thickness of the material 1230 is optionally adjusted to created a change in the radius of curvature, such as about ½, 1, 2, 3, or 4 mm less than the last pass of the protons 265 or original radius of curvature 264. Protons moving with the smaller radius of curvature travel between a second pair of blades. In one case, the second pair of blades is physically distinct and/or are separated from the first pair of blades. In a second case, one of the first pair of blades is also a member of the second pair of blades. For example, the second pair of blades is the second blade 1214 and a third blade 1216 in the RF cavity system 1210. A high voltage DC signal, such as about 1 to 5 kV, is then applied across the second pair of blades, which directs the protons out of the synchrotron through an extraction magnet 292, such as a Lamberson extraction magnet, into a transport path 268.

Control of acceleration of the charged particle beam path in the synchrotron with the accelerator and/or applied fields of the turning magnets in combination with the above described extraction system allows for control of the intensity of the extracted proton beam, where intensity is a proton flux per unit time or the number of protons extracted as a function of time. For example, when a current is measured beyond a threshold, the RF field modulation in the RF cavity system is terminated or reinitiated to establish a subsequent cycle of proton beam extraction. This process is repeated to yield many cycles of proton beam extraction from the synchrotron accelerator.

Because the extraction system does not depend on any change in magnetic field properties, it allows the synchrotron to continue to operate in acceleration or deceleration mode during the extraction process. Stated differently, the extraction process does not interfere with synchrotron. In stark contrast, traditional extraction systems introduce a new magnetic field, such as via a hexapole, during the extraction process. More particularly, traditional synchrotrons have a magnet, such as a hexapole magnet, that is off during an acceleration stage. During the extraction phase, the hexapole magnetic field is introduced to the circulating path of the synchrotron. The introduction of the magnetic field necessitates two distinct modes, an acceleration mode and an extraction mode, which are mutually exclusive in time.

Charged Particle Beam Intensity Control

Control of applied field, such as a radio-frequency (RF) field, frequency and magnitude in the RF cavity system 1210 allows for intensity control of the extracted proton beam, where intensity is extracted proton flux per unit time or the number of protons extracted as a function of time.

Referring still to FIG. 12, when protons in the proton beam hit the material 1230 electrons are given off resulting in a current. The resulting current is converted to a voltage and is used as part of a ion beam intensity monitoring system or as part of an ion beam feedback loop for controlling beam intensity. The voltage is optionally measured and sent to the main controller 110 or to a controller subsystem 1240. More particularly, when protons in the charged particle beam path pass through the material 1230, some of the protons lose a small fraction of their energy, such as about one-tenth of a percent, which results in a secondary electron. That is, protons in the charged particle beam push some electrons when passing through material 1230 giving the electrons enough energy to cause secondary emission. The resulting electron flow results in a current or signal that is proportional to the number of protons going through the target material 1230. The resulting current is preferably converted to voltage and amplified. The resulting signal is referred to as a measured intensity signal.

The amplified signal or measured intensity signal resulting from the protons passing through the material 1230 is preferably used in controlling the intensity of the extracted protons. For example, the measured intensity signal is compared to a goal signal, which is predetermined in an irradiation of the tumor plan. The difference between the measured intensity signal and the planned for goal signal is calculated. The difference is used as a control to the RF generator. Hence, the measured flow of current resulting from the protons passing through the material 1230 is used as a control in the RF generator to increase or decrease the number of protons undergoing betatron oscillation and striking the material 1230. Hence, the voltage determined off of the material 1230 is used as a measure of the orbital path and is used as a feedback control to control the RF cavity system. Alternatively, the measured intensity signal is not used in the feedback control and is just used as a monitor of the intensity of the extracted protons.

As described, supra, the protons striking the material 1230 is a step in the extraction of the protons from the synchrotron 130. Hence, the measured intensity signal is used to change the number of protons per unit time being extracted, which is referred to as intensity of the proton beam. The intensity of the proton beam is thus under algorithm control. Further, the intensity of the proton beam is controlled separately from the velocity of the protons in the synchrotron 130. Hence, intensity of the protons extracted and the energy of the protons extracted are independently variable.

For example, protons initially move at an equilibrium trajectory in the synchrotron 130. An RF field is used to excite the protons into a betatron oscillation. In one case, the frequency of the protons orbit is about 10 MHz. In one example, in about one millisecond or after about 10,000 orbits, the first protons hit an outer edge of the target material 1230. The specific frequency is dependent upon the period of the orbit. Upon hitting the material 1230, the protons push electrons through the foil to produce a current. The current is converted to voltage and amplified to yield a measured intensity signal. The measured intensity signal is used as a feedback input to control the applied RF magnitude, RF frequency, or RF field. Preferably, the measured intensity signal is compared to a target signal and a measure of the difference between the measured intensity signal and target signal is used to adjust the applied RF field in the RF cavity system 1210 in the extraction system to control the intensity of the protons in the extraction step. Stated again, the signal resulting from the protons striking and/or passing through the material 1230 is used as an input in RF field modulation. An increase in the magnitude of the RF modulation results in protons hitting the foil or material 1230 sooner. By increasing the RF, more protons are pushed into the foil, which results in an increased intensity, or more protons per unit time, of protons extracted from the synchrotron 130.

In another example, a detector 1250 external to the synchrotron 130 is used to determine the flux of protons extracted from the synchrotron and a signal from the external detector is used to alter the RF field or RF modulation in the RF cavity system 1210. Here the external detector generates an external signal, which is used in a manner similar to the measured intensity signal, described in the preceding paragraphs.

In yet another example, when a current from material 1230 resulting from protons passing through or hitting material is measured beyond a threshold, the RF field modulation in the RF cavity system is terminated or reinitiated to establish a subsequent cycle of proton beam extraction. This process is repeated to yield many cycles of proton beam extraction from the synchrotron accelerator.

In still yet another embodiment, intensity modulation of the extracted proton beam is controlled by the main controller 110. For example, the observed electron flow is determined from the extraction foil 1230, which is representative of the intensity of the extracted proton beam. The electron flow is compared with an irradiation plan 1260 having desired intensity for each x, y, z, and rotation position of irradiation. As part of a feedback loop, both inputs are given to an intensity controller 1240, which adjusts the RF field in the RF cavity system 1210 to result in the observed intensity matching or tracking the desired intensity of the irradiation plan 1260. The main controller 110 optionally and/or additionally controls timing of extraction of the charged particle beam and energy of the extracted proton beam.

The benefits of the system include a multi-dimensional scanning system. Particularly, the system allows independence in: (1) energy of the protons extracted and (2) intensity of the protons extracted. That is, energy of the protons extracted is controlled by an energy control system and an intensity control system controls the intensity of the extracted protons. The energy control system and intensity control system are optionally independently controlled. Preferably, the main controller 110 controls the energy control system and the main controller simultaneously controls the intensity control system to yield an extracted proton beam with controlled energy and controlled intensity where the controlled energy and controlled intensity are independently variable. Thus the irradiation spot hitting the tumor is under independent control of:

-   -   time;     -   energy;     -   intensity;     -   x-axis position, where the x-axis represents horizontal movement         of the proton beam relative to the patient, and     -   y-axis position, where the y-axis represents vertical movement         of the proton beam relative to the patient.

In addition, the patient is optionally independently rotated relative to a translational axis of the proton beam at the same time.

Patient Positioning

Referring now to FIG. 13, the patient is preferably positioned on or within a patient positioning system 1310 of the patient interface module 150. The patient positioning system 1310 is used to translate the patient and/or rotate the patient 1330 into a zone where the proton beam can scan the tumor 1320 using a scanning system 140 or proton targeting system, described infra. Essentially, the patient positioning system 1310 performs large movements of the patient to place the tumor near the center of a proton beam path 268 and the proton scanning or targeting system 140 performs fine movements of the momentary beam position 269 in targeting the tumor 1320. To illustrate, FIG. 13 shows the momentary proton beam position 269 and a range of scannable positions 1325 using the proton scanning or targeting system 140, where the scannable positions 1325 are about the tumor 1320 of the patient 1330. This illustratively shows that the y-axis movement of the patient occurs on a scale of the body, such as adjustment of about 1, 2, 3, or 4 feet, while the scannable region of the proton beam 269 covers a portion of the body, such as a region of about 1, 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, or 12 inches. The patient positioning system and its rotation and/or translation of the patient combines with the proton targeting system to yield precise and/or accurate delivery of the protons to the tumor.

Referring still to FIG. 13, the patient positioning system 1310 optionally includes a bottom unit 1312 and a top unit 1314, such as discs or a platform. Referring now to FIG. 13A, the patient positioning unit 1310 is preferably y-axis adjustable 1316 to allow vertical shifting of the patient relative to the proton therapy beam 269. Preferably, the vertical motion of the patient positioning unit 1310 is about 10, 20, 30, or 50 centimeters per minute. Referring now to FIG. 13B, the patient positioning unit 1310 is also preferably rotatable 1317 about a rotation axis, such as about the y-axis, to allow rotational control and positioning of the patient relative to the proton beam path 269. Preferably the rotational motion of the patient positioning unit 1310 is about 360 degrees per minute. Optionally, the patient positioning unit rotates about 45, 90, or 180 degrees. Optionally, the patient positioning unit 1310 rotates at a rate of about 45, 90, 180, 360, 720, or 1080 degrees per minute. The rotation of the positioning unit 1317 is illustrated about the rotation axis at two distinct times, t₁ and t₂. Protons are optionally delivered to the tumor 1320 at n times where each of the n times represent different directions of the incident proton beam 269 hitting the patient 1330 due to rotation of the patient 1317 about the rotation axis.

Any of the semi-vertical, sitting, or laying patient positioning embodiments described, infra, are optionally vertically translatable along the y-axis or rotatable about the rotation or y-axis.

Preferably, the top and bottom units 1314, 1312 move together, such that they rotate at the same rates and translate in position at the same rates. Optionally, the top and bottom units 1314, 1312 are independently adjustable along the y-axis to allow a difference in distance between the top and bottom units 1314, 1312. Motors, power supplies, and mechanical assemblies for moving the top and bottom units 1314, 1312 are preferably located out of the proton beam path 269, such as below the bottom unit 1314 and/or above the top unit 1312. This is preferable as the patient positioning unit 1310 is preferably rotatable about 360 degrees and the motors, power supplies, and mechanical assemblies interfere with the protons if positioned in the proton beam path 269.

Proton Beam Position Control

Referring now to FIG. 14, a beam delivery and tissue volume scanning system is illustrated. Presently, the worldwide radiotherapy community uses a method of dose field forming using a pencil beam scanning system. In stark contrast, FIG. 14 illustrates a spot scanning system or tissue volume scanning system. In the tissue volume scanning system, the proton beam is controlled, in terms of transportation and distribution, using an inexpensive and precise scanning system. The scanning system is an active system, where the beam is focused into a spot focal point of about one-half, one, two, or three millimeters in diameter. The focal point is translated along two axes while simultaneously altering the applied energy of the proton beam, which effectively changes the third dimension of the focal point. The system is applicable in combination with the above described rotation of the body, which preferably occurs in-between individual moments or cycles of proton delivery to the tumor. Optionally, the rotation of the body by the above described system occurs continuously and simultaneously with proton delivery to the tumor.

For example, in the illustrated system in FIG. 14A, the spot is translated horizontally, is moved down a vertical axis, and is then moved back along the horizontal axis. In this example, current is used to control a vertical scanning system having at least one magnet. The applied current alters the magnetic field of the vertical scanning system to control the vertical deflection of the proton beam. Similarly, a horizontal scanning magnet system controls the horizontal deflection of the proton beam. The degree of transport along each axes is controlled to conform to the tumor cross-section at the given depth. The depth is controlled by changing the energy of the proton beam. For example, the proton beam energy is decreased, so as to define a new penetration depth, and the scanning process is repeated along the horizontal and vertical axes covering a new cross-sectional area of the tumor. Combined, the three axes of control allow scanning or movement of the proton beam focal point over the entire volume of the cancerous tumor. The time at each spot and the direction into the body for each spot is controlled to yield the desired radiation does at each sub-volume of the cancerous volume while distributing energy hitting outside of the tumor.

The focused beam spot volume dimension is preferably tightly controlled to a diameter of about 0.5, 1, 2, or 3 millimeters, but is preferably less than or equal to about 1 millimeter. Preferred design controls allow scanning in two directions with: (1) a vertical amplitude of about 100 mm amplitude and frequency up to 200 Hz; and (2) a horizontal amplitude of about 700 mm amplitude and frequency up to 1 Hz. More or less amplitude in each axis is possible by altering the scanning magnet systems.

In FIG. 14A, the proton beam is illustrated along a z-axis controlled by the beam energy, the horizontal movement is along an x-axis, and the vertical direction is along a y-axis. The distance the protons move along the z-axis into the tissue, in this example, is controlled by the kinetic energy of the proton. This coordinate system is arbitrary and exemplary. The actual control of the proton beam is controlled in 3-dimensional space using two scanning magnet systems and by controlling the kinetic energy of the proton beam. The use of the extraction system, described supra, allows for different scanning patterns. Particularly, the system allows simultaneous adjustment of the x-, y-, and z-axes in the irradiation of the solid tumor. Stated again, instead of scanning along an x,y-plane and then adjusting energy of the protons, such as with a range modulation wheel, the system allows for moving along the z-axes while simultaneously adjusting the x- and or y-axes. Hence, rather than irradiating slices of the tumor, the tumor is optionally irradiated in three simultaneous dimensions. For example, the tumor is irradiated around an outer edge of the tumor in three dimensions. Then the tumor is irradiated around an outer edge of an internal section of the tumor. This process is repeated until the entire tumor is irradiated. The outer edge irradiation is preferably coupled with simultaneous rotation of the subject, such as about a vertical y-axis. This system allows for maximum efficiency of deposition of protons to the tumor, as defined using the Bragg peak, to the tumor itself with minimal delivery of proton energy to surrounding healthy tissue.

Combined, the system allows for multi-axes control of the charged particle beam system in a small space with low power supply. For example, the system uses multiple magnets where each magnet has at least one edge focusing effect in each turning section of the synchrotron and/or multiple magnets having concentrating magnetic field geometry, as described supra. The multiple edge focusing effects in the circulating beam path of the synchrotron combined with the concentration geometry of the magnets and described extraction system yields a synchrotron having:

-   -   a small circumference system, such as less than about 50 meters;     -   a vertical proton beam size gap of about 2 cm;     -   corresponding reduced power supply requirements associated with         the reduced gap size;     -   an extraction system not requiring a newly introduced magnetic         field;     -   acceleration or deceleration of the protons during extraction;         and/or     -   control of and/or simultaneous variation of z-axis energy during         extraction.

The result is a 3-dimensional scanning system, x-, y-, and z-axes control, where the z-axes control resides in the synchrotron and where the z-axes energy is variably controlled during the extraction process inside the synchrotron.

Referring now to FIG. 14B, an example of a proton scanning or targeting system 140 used to direct the protons to the tumor with 4-dimensional scanning control is provided, where the 4-dimensional scanning control is along the x-, y-, and z-axes along with intensity control, as described supra. A fifth axis is time. Typically, charged particles traveling along the transport path 268 are directed through a first axis control element 142, such as a vertical control, and a second axis control element 144, such as a horizontal control and into a tumor 1320. As described, supra, the extraction system also allows for simultaneous variation in the z-axis. Further, as describe, supra, the intensity or dose of the extracted beam is optionally simultaneously and independently controlled and varied. Thus instead of irradiating a slice of the tumor, as in FIG. 14A, all four dimensions defining the targeting spot of the proton delivery in the tumor are simultaneously variable. The simultaneous variation of the proton delivery spot is illustrated in FIG. 14B by the spot delivery path 269. In the illustrated case, the protons are initially directed around an outer edge of the tumor and are then directed around an inner radius of the tumor. Combined with rotation of the subject about a vertical axis, a multi-field illumination process is used where a not yet irradiated portion of the tumor is preferably irradiated at the further distance of the tumor from the proton entry point into the body. This yields the greatest percentage of the proton delivery, as defined by the Bragg peak, into the tumor and minimizes damage to peripheral healthy tissue.

Imaging System

Herein, an X-ray system is used to illustrate an imaging system.

Timing

An X-ray is preferably collected either (1) just before or (2) concurrently with treating a subject with proton therapy for a couple of reasons.

First, movement of the body, described supra, changes the local position of the tumor in the body relative to other body constituents. If the subject has an X-ray taken and is then bodily moved to a proton treatment room, accurate alignment of the proton beam to the tumor is problematic. Alignment of the proton beam to the tumor using one or more X-rays is best performed at the time of proton delivery or in the seconds or minutes immediately prior to proton delivery and after the patient is placed into a therapeutic body position, which is typically a fixed position or partially immobilized position.

Second, the X-ray taken after positioning the patient is used for verification of proton beam alignment to a targeted position, such as a tumor and/or internal organ position.

Positioning

An X-ray is preferably taken just before treating the subject to aid in patient positioning. For positioning purposes, an X-ray of a large body area is not needed. In one embodiment, an X-ray of only a local area is collected. When collecting an X-ray, the X-ray has an X-ray path. The proton beam has a proton beam path. Overlaying the X-ray path with the proton beam path is one method of aligning the proton beam to the tumor. However, this method involves putting the X-ray equipment into the proton beam path, taking the X-ray, and then moving the X-ray equipment out of the beam path. This process takes time. The elapsed time while the X-ray equipment moves has a couple of detrimental effects. First, during the time required to move the X-ray equipment, the body moves. The resulting movement decreases precision and/or accuracy of subsequent proton beam alignment to the tumor. Second, the time require to move the X-ray equipment is time that the proton beam therapy system is not in use, which decreases the total efficiency of the proton beam therapy system.

X-Ray Source Lifetime

It is desirable to have components in the particle beam therapy system that require minimal or no maintenance over the lifetime of the particle beam therapy system. For example, it is desirable to equip the proton beam therapy system with an X-ray system having a long lifetime source, such as a lifetime of about 20 years.

In one system, described infra, electrons are used to create X-rays. The electrons are generated at a cathode where the lifetime of the cathode is temperature dependent. Analogous to a light bulb, where the filament is kept in equilibrium, the cathode temperature is held in equilibrium at temperatures at about 200, 500, or 1000 degrees Celsius. Reduction of the cathode temperature results in increased lifetime of the cathode. Hence, the cathode used in generating the electrons is preferably held at as low of a temperature as possible. However, if the temperature of the cathode is reduced, then electron emissions also decrease. To overcome the need for more electrons at lower temperatures, a large cathode is used and the generated electrons are concentrated. The process is analogous to compressing electrons in an electron gun; however, here the compression techniques are adapted to apply to enhancing an X-ray tube lifetime.

Referring now to FIG. 15, an example of an X-ray generation device 1500 having an enhanced lifetime is provided. Electrons 1520 are generated at a cathode 1510, focused with a control electrode 1512, and accelerated with a series of accelerating electrodes 1540. The accelerated electrons 1550 impact an X-ray generation source 1548 resulting in generated X-rays that are then directed along an X-ray path 1670 to the subject 1330. The concentrating of the electrons from a first diameter 1515 to a second diameter 1516 allows the cathode to operate at a reduced temperature and still yield the necessary amplified level of electrons at the X-ray generation source 1548.

Still referring to FIG. 15, a more detailed description of an exemplary X-ray generation device 1500 is described. An anode/cathode 1510 pair is used to generated electrons. Optionally, the anode is the X-ray generation source 1548. The electrons 1520 are generated at the cathode 1510 having a first diameter 1515, which is denoted d₁. The control electrodes 1512 attract the generated electrons 1520. For example, if the cathode is held at about −150 kV and the control electrode is held at about −149 kV, then the generated electrons 1520 are attracted toward the control electrodes 1512 and focused. A series of accelerating electrodes 1540 are then used to accelerate the electrons into a substantially parallel path 1550 with a smaller diameter 1516, which is denoted d₂. For example, with the cathode held at −150 kV, a first, second, third, and fourth accelerating electrode 1542, 1544, 1546, 1548 are held at about −120, −90, −60, and −30 kV, respectively. If a thinner body part is to be analyzed, then the cathode 1510 is held at a smaller level, such as about −90 kV and the control electrode, first, second, third, and fourth electrode are each adjusted to lower levels. Generally, the voltage difference from the cathode to fourth electrode is less for a smaller negative voltage at the cathode and vise-versa. The accelerated electrons 1550 are optionally passed through a magnetic lens 1560 for adjustment of beam size, such as a cylindrical magnetic lens. The electrons are also optionally focused using quadrupole magnets 1570, which focus in one direction and defocus in another direction. The accelerated electrons 1550, which are now adjusted in beam size and focused strike an X-ray generation source 1548, such as tungsten, resulting in generated X-rays that pass through a blocker 1662 and proceed along an X-ray path 1670 to the subject. The X-ray generation source 1548 is optionally cooled with a cooling element 1549, such as water touching or thermally connected to a backside of the X-ray generation source 1548. The concentrating of the electrons from a first diameter 1515 to a second diameter 1516 allows the cathode to operate at a reduced temperature and still yield the necessary amplified level of electrons at the X-ray generation source 1548.

More generally, the X-ray generation device 1500 produces electrons having initial vectors. One or more of the control electrode 1512, accelerating electrodes 1540, magnetic lens 1560, and quadrupole magnets 1570 combine to alter the initial electron vectors into parallel vectors with a decreased cross-sectional area having a substantially parallel path, referred to as the accelerated electrons 1550. The process allows the X-ray generation device 1500 to operate at a lower temperature. Particularly, instead of using a cathode that is the size of the electron beam needed, a larger electrode is used and the resulting electrons 1550 are focused and/or concentrated into the required electron beam needed. As lifetime is roughly an inverse of current density, the concentration of the current density results in a larger lifetime of the X-ray generation device. A specific example is provided for clarity. If the cathode has a 15 mm radius or d₁ is about 30 mm, then the area (π r²) is about 225 mm² times pi. If the concentration of the electrons achieves a radius of 5 mm or d₂ is about 10 mm, then the area (π r²) is about 25 mm² times pi. The ratio of the two areas is about 9 (225π/25π). Thus, there is about 9 times less density of current at the larger cathode compared to the traditional cathode having an area of the desired electron beam. Hence, the lifetime of the larger cathode approximates 9 times the lifetime of the traditional cathode, though the actual current through the larger cathode and traditional cathode is about the same. Preferably, the area of the cathode 310 is about 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 15, 20, or 25 times that of the cross-sectional area of the substantially parallel electron beam 1550.

In another embodiment of the invention, the quadrupole magnets 1570 result in an oblong cross-sectional shape of the electron beam 1550. A projection of the oblong cross-sectional shape of the electron beam 1550 onto the X-ray generation source 1548 results in an X-ray beam that has a small spot in cross-sectional view, which is preferably substantially circular in cross-sectional shape, that is then passed through the patient 1330. The small spot is used to yield an X-ray having enhanced resolution at the patient.

Referring now to FIG. 16, in one embodiment, an X-ray is generated close to, but not in, the proton beam path. A proton beam therapy system and an X-ray system combination 1600 is illustrated in FIG. 16. The proton beam therapy system has a proton beam 268 in a transport system after the Lamberson extraction magnet 292 of the synchrotron 130. The proton beam is directed by the scanning/targeting/delivery system 140 to a tumor 1320 of a patient 1330. The X-ray system 1605 includes an electron beam source 1505 generating an electron beam 1550. The electron beam is directed to an X-ray generation source 1548, such as a piece of tungsten. Preferably, the tungsten X-ray source is located about 1, 2, 3, 5, 10, 15, or 20 millimeters from the proton beam path 268. When the electron beam 1550 hits the tungsten, X-rays are generated in all directions. X-rays are blocked with a port 1662 and are selected for an X-ray beam path 1670. The X-ray beam path 1670 and proton beam path 268 run substantially in parallel as they progress to the tumor 1320. The distance between the X-ray beam path 1670 and proton beam path 269 preferably diminishes to near zero and/or the X-ray beam path 1670 and proton beam path 269 overlap by the time they reach the tumor 1320. Simple geometry shows this to be the case given the long distance, of at least a meter, between the tungsten and the tumor 1320. The distance is illustrated as a gap 1680 in FIG. 16. The X-rays are detected at an X-ray detector 1690, which is used to form an image of the tumor 1320 and/or position of the patient 1330.

As a whole, the system generates an X-ray beam that lies in substantially the same path as the proton therapy beam. The X-ray beam is generated by striking a tungsten or equivalent material with an electron beam. The X-ray generation source is located proximate to the proton beam path. Geometry of the incident electrons, geometry of the X-ray generation material, and geometry of the X-ray beam blocker 1662 yield an X-ray beam that runs either in substantially in parallel with the proton beam or results in an X-ray beam path that starts proximate the proton beam path an expands to cover and transmit through a tumor cross-sectional area to strike an X-ray detector array or film allowing imaging of the tumor from a direction and alignment of the proton therapy beam. The X-ray image is then used to control the charged particle beam path to accurately and precisely target the tumor, and/or is used in system verification and validation.

Referring now to FIG. 17, additional geometry of the electron beam path 1550 and X-ray beam path 1670 is illustrated. Particularly, the electron beam 1550 is shown as an expanded electron beam path 1552, 1554. Also, the X-ray beam path 1670 is shown as an expanded X-ray beam path 1672, 1674.

Referring now to FIG. 18, a 3-D X-ray tomography system 1800 is presented. In a typical X-ray tomography system, the X-ray source and detector rotationally translate about a stationary subject. In the X-ray tomography system described herein, the X-ray source and detector are stationary and the patient 1330 rotates. The stationary X-ray source allows a system where the X-ray source 1548 is proximate the proton therapy beam path 269, as described supra. In addition, the rotation of the patient 1330 allows the proton dosage to be distributed around the body, rather than being concentrated on one static entrance side of the body. Further, the 3-D X-ray tomography system allows for simultaneous updates of the tumor position relative to body constituents in real-time during proton therapy treatment of the tumor 1320 in the patient 1330. The X-ray tomography system is further described, infra.

In a first step of the X-ray tomography system 1800, the patient 1330 is positioned relative to the X-ray beam path 1670 and proton beam path 268 using a patient semi-immobilization/placement system 2000, described infra. After patient 1330 positioning, a series of reference 2-D X-ray images are collected, on a detector array 1690 or film, of the patient 1330 and tumor 1320 as the subject is rotated about a y-axis 1820. For example, a series of about 50, 100, 200, or 400 X-ray images of the patient are collected as the patient is rotated. In a second example, an X-ray image is collected with each n degrees of rotation of the patient 1330, where n is about ½, 1, 2, 3, or 5 degrees of rotation. Preferably, about 200 images are collected during one full rotation of the patient through 360 degrees. Subsequently, using the reference 2-D X-ray images, an algorithm produces a reference 3-D picture of the tumor 1320 relative to the patient's constituent body parts. A tumor 1320 irradiation plan is made using the 3-D picture of the tumor 1320 and the patient's constituent body parts. Creation of the proton irradiation plan is optionally performed after the patient has moved from the X-ray imaging area.

In a second step, the patient 1330 is repositioned relative to the X-ray beam path 1670 and proton beam path 268 using the patient semi-immobilization/placement system 2000. Just prior to implementation of the proton irradiation plan, a few comparative X-ray images of the patient 1330 and tumor 1320 are collected at a limited number of positions using the X-ray tomography system 1800 setup. For example, a single X-ray image is collected with the patient positioned straight on, at angles of plus/minus forty-five degrees, and/or at angles of plus/minus ninety degrees relative to the proton beam path 268. The actual orientation of the patient 1330 relative to the proton beam path 268 is optionally any orientation. The actual number of comparative X-ray images is also optionally any number of images, though the preferable number of comparative X-ray images is about 2 to 5 comparative images. The comparative X-ray images are compared to the reference X-ray images and differences are detected. A medical expert or an algorithm determines if the difference between the reference images and the comparative images is significant. Based upon the differences, the medical expert or algorithm determines if: proton treatment should commence, be halted, or adapted in real-time. For example, if significant differences in the X-ray images are observed, then the treatment is preferably halted and the process of collecting a reference 3-D picture of the patient's tumor is reinitiated. In a second example, if the differences in the X-ray images are observed to be small, then the proton irradiation plan commences. In a third example, the algorithm or medical expert can adapt the proton irradiation plan in real-time to adjust for differences in tumor location resulting from changes in position of the tumor 1320 in the patient 1330 or from differences in the patient 1330 placement. In the third example, the adaptive proton therapy increases patient throughput and enhances precision and accuracy of proton irradiation of the tumor 1320 relative to the healthy tissue of the patient 1330.

Referring now to FIG. 19, another exemplary method of use of the charged particle beam system 100 is provided. The main controller 110, or one or more sub-controllers, controls one or more of the subsystems to accurately and precisely deliver protons to a tumor of a patient. For example, the main controller sends a message to the patient indicating when or how to breath. The main controller 110 obtains a sensor reading from the patient interface module, such as a temperature breath sensor or a force reading indicative of where in a breath cycle the subject is. The main controller collects an image, such as a portion of a body and/or of a tumor, from the imaging system 170. For example: an X-ray image is obtained, a series of X-ray images are obtained at various rotation positions of the patient, or a 3-D tomography image of the patient is obtained using an X-ray tomography system as described herein. The main controller 110 also obtains position and/or timing information from the patient interface module 150. The main controller 110 then optionally controls the injection system 120 to inject hydrogen gas into a negative ion beam source 310 and controls timing of extraction of the negative ion from the negative ion beam source 310. Optionally, the main controller controls ion beam focusing the ion beam focusing lens system 350; acceleration of the proton beam with the tandem accelerator 390; and/or injection of the proton into the synchrotron 130. The synchrotron typically contains at least an accelerator system 132 and an extraction system 134. The synchrotron preferably contains one or more of: turning magnets, edge focusing magnets, magnetic field concentration magnets, winding and correction coils, and flat magnetic field incident surfaces, some of which contain elements under control by the main controller 110. The main controller preferably controls the proton beam within the accelerator system, such as by controlling speed, trajectory, and/or timing of the proton beam. The main controller then controls extraction of a proton beam from the accelerator through the extraction system 134. For example, the controller controls timing, energy, and/or intensity of the extracted beam. The controller 110 also preferably controls targeting of the proton beam through the targeting/delivery system 140 to the patient interface module 150. One or more components of the patient interface module 150 are preferably controlled by the main controller 110, such as vertical position of the patient, rotational position of the patient, and patient chair positioning/stabilization/control elements. Further, display elements of the display system 160 are preferably controlled via the main controller 110. Displays, such as display screens, are typically provided to one or more operators and/or to one or more patients. In one embodiment, the main controller 110 times the delivery of the proton beam from all systems, such that protons are delivered in an optimal therapeutic manner to the patient.

Patient Immobilization

Accurate and precise delivery of a proton beam to a tumor of a patient requires: (1) positioning control of the proton beam and (2) positioning control of the patient. As described, supra, the proton beam is controlled using algorithms and magnetic fields to a diameter of about 0.5, 1, or 2 millimeters. This section addresses partial immobilization, restraint, and/or alignment of the patient to insure the tightly controlled proton beam efficiently hits a target tumor and not surrounding healthy tissue as a result of patient movement.

In this section an x-, y-, and z-axes coordinate system and rotation axis is used to describe the orientation of the patient relative to the proton beam. The z-axis represent travel of the proton beam, such as the depth of the proton beam into the patient. When looking at the patient down the z-axis of travel of the proton beam, the x-axis refers to moving left or right across the patient and the y-axis refers to movement up or down the patient. A first rotation axis is rotation of the patient about the y-axis and is referred to herein as a rotation axis, bottom unit 1312 rotation axis, or y-axis of rotation. In addition, tilt is rotation about the x-axis, yaw is rotation about the y-axis, and roll is rotation about the z-axis. In this coordinate system, the proton beam path 269 optionally runs in any direction. As an illustrative matter, the proton beam path running through a treatment room is described as running horizontally through the treatment room.

In this section, three examples of positioning are provided: (1) a semi-vertical partial immobilization system; (2) a sitting partial immobilization system; and (3) a laying position. Elements described for one immobilization apply to other immobilization systems with small changes. For example, a head rest will adjust along one axis for a reclined position, along a second axis for a seated position, and along a third axis for a laying position. However, the headrest itself is similar for each immobilization position.

Vertical Patient Positioning/Immobilization

The semi-vertical patient positioning system is preferably used in conjunction with proton therapy of tumors in the torso. The patient positioning and/or immobilization system controls and/or restricts movement of the patient during proton beam therapy. In a first partial immobilization embodiment, the patient is positioned in a semi-vertical position in a proton beam therapy system. As illustrated, the patient is reclining at an angle alpha, α, about 45 degrees off of the y-axis as defined by an axis running from head to foot of the patient. More generally, the patient is optionally completely standing in a vertical position of zero degrees off the of y-axis or is in a semi-vertical position alpha that is reclined about 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, or 65 degrees off of the y-axis toward the z-axis.

Patient positioning constraints are used to maintain the patient in a treatment position, including one or more of: a seat support, a back support, a head support, an arm support, a knee support, and a foot support. The constraints are optionally and independently rigid or semi-rigid. Examples of a semi-rigid material include a high or low density foam or a visco-elastic foam. For example the foot support is preferably rigid and the back support is preferably semi-rigid, such as a high density foam material. One or more of the positioning constraints are movable and/or under computer control for rapid positioning and/or immobilization of the patient. For example, the seat support is adjustable along a seat adjustment axis, which is preferably the y-axis; the back support is adjustable along a back support axis, which is preferably dominated by z-axis movement with a y-axis element; the head support is adjustable along a head support axis, which is preferably dominated by z-axis movement with a y-axis element; the arm support is adjustable along an arm support axis, which is preferably dominated by z-axis movement with a y-axis element; the knee support is adjustable along a knee support axis, which is preferably dominated by y-axis movement with a z-axis element; and the foot support is adjustable along a foot support axis, which is preferably dominated by y-axis movement with a z-axis element.

If the patient is not facing the incoming proton beam, then the description of movements of support elements along the axes change, but the immobilization elements are the same.

An optional camera is used with any of the patient positioning systems. The camera views the subject creating a video image. The image is provided to one or more operators of the charged particle beam system and allows the operators a safety mechanism for determining if the subject has moved or desires to terminate the proton therapy treatment procedure. Based on the video image, the operators may suspend or terminate the proton therapy procedure. For example, if the operator observes via the video image that the subject is moving, then the operator has the option to terminate or suspend the proton therapy procedure. Further, an optional video display is provided to the patient. The video display optionally presents to the patient any of: operator instructions, system instructions, status of treatment, or entertainment. Motors for positioning the constraints, the camera, and video display are preferably mounted above or below the proton path 269.

Breath control is optionally performed by using the video display. As the patient breathes, internal and external structures of the body move in both absolute terms and in relative terms. For example, the outside of the chest cavity and internal organs both have absolute moves with a breath. In addition, the relative position of an internal organ relative to another body component, such as an outer region of the body, a bone, support structure, or another organ, moves with each breath. Hence, for more accurate and precise tumor targeting, the proton beam is preferably delivered at point a in time where the position of the internal structure or tumor is well defined, such as at the bottom of each breath. The video display is used to help coordinate the proton beam delivery with the patient's breathing cycle. For example, the video display optionally displays to the patient a command, such as a hold breath statement, a breath statement, a countdown indicating when a breadth will next need to be held, or a countdown until breathing may resume.

Sitting Patient Positioning/Immobilization

In a second partial immobilization embodiment, the patient is partially restrained in a seated position. The sitting restraint system has support structures that are similar to the support structures used in the semi-vertical positioning system, described supra, with the exception that the seat support is replaced by a chair and the knee support is not required. The seated restraint system generally retains the adjustable support, rotation about the y-axis, camera, video, and breadth control parameters described in the semi-vertical embodiment, described supra.

Referring now to FIG. 20, a particular example of a patient semi-immobilization system/placement system 2000 is provided. A sitting system is preferably used for treatment of head and neck tumors. As illustrated, the patient is positioned in a seated position on a chair 2010 for particle therapy. The patient is further immobilized using any of the: the head support 2040, the back support 2050, a hand support 2020, the knee support 2080, and the foot support 2070. The supports 2020, 2040, 2050, 2080, 2070 preferably have respective axes of adjustment 2022, 2042, 2052, 2082, 2072 as illustrated. The chair 2010 is either readily removed to allow for use of a different patient constraint system or adapts to a new patient position, such as the semi-vertical system.

Laying Patient Positioning/Immobilization

In a third partial immobilization embodiment, the patient is partially restrained in a laying position. The laying restraint system has support structures that are similar to the support structures used in the sitting positioning system and semi-vertical positioning system, described supra. In the laying position, optional restraint, support, or partial immobilization elements include one or more of: the head support and the back, hip, and shoulder support. The supports preferably have respective axes of adjustment that are rotated as appropriate for a laying position of the patient. The laying position restraint system generally retains the adjustable supports, rotation about the y-axis, camera, video, and breadth control parameters described in the semi-vertical embodiment, described supra.

If the patient is very sick, such as the patient has trouble standing for a period of about one to three minutes required for treatment, then being in a partially supported system can result in some movement of the patient due to muscle strain. In this and similar situations, treatment of a patient in a laying position on a support table is preferentially used. The support table has a horizontal platform to support the bulk of the weight of the patient. Preferably, the horizontal platform is detachable from a treatment platform

Additionally, leg support and/or arm support elements are optionally added to raise, respectively, an arm or leg out of the proton beam path 269 for treatment of a tumor in the torso or to move an arm or leg into the proton beam path 269 for treatment of a tumor in the arm or leg. This increases proton delivery efficiency, as described infra.

In a laying positioning system the patient is positioned on a platform, which has a substantially horizontal portion for supporting the weight of the body in a horizontal position. For clarity of presentation, the head support and back support elements, though preferably present, are not illustrated. Similarly, optional hand grips, though preferably used, are not illustrated for clarity. The hand grips are described infra. One or more leg support elements are used to position the patient's leg. A leg support element is preferably adjustable along at least one leg adjustment axis or along an arc to position the leg into the proton beam path 269 or to remove the leg from the proton beam path 269, as described infra. An arm support element is preferably adjustable along at least one arm adjustment axis or along an arc to position the arm into the proton beam path 269 or to remove the arm from the proton beam path 269, as described infra. Both the leg support and arm support elements are optional.

Preferably, the patient is positioned on the platform in an area or room outside of the proton beam path 269 and is wheeled or slid into the treatment room or proton beam path area. For example, the patient is wheeled into the treatment room on a gurney where the top of the gurney, which is the platform, detaches and is positioned onto a table. The platform is preferably lifted onto the table or slid onto the table. In this manner, the gurney or bed need not be lifted onto the table.

The semi-vertical patient positioning system and sitting patient positioning system are preferentially used to treatment of tumors in the head or torso due to efficiency. The semi-vertical patient positioning system, sitting patient positioning system, and laying patient positioning system are all usable for treatment of tumors in the patient's limbs.

Support System Elements

Positioning constraints include all elements used to position the patient, such as those described in the semi-vertical positioning system, sitting positioning system, and laying positioning system. Preferably, positioning constraints or support system elements are aligned in positions that do not impede or overlap the proton beam path 269. However, in some instances the positioning constraints are in the proton beam path 269 during at least part of the time of treatment of the patient. For instance, a positioning constraint element may reside in the proton beam path 269 during part of a time period where the patient is rotated about the y-axis during treatment. In cases or time periods that the positioning constraints or support system elements are in the proton beam path, then an upward adjustment of proton beam energy is preferably applied that increases the proton beam energy to offset the positioning constraint element impedance of the proton beam. In one case, the proton beam energy is increased by a separate measure of the positioning constraint element impedance determined during a reference scan of the positioning constraint system element or set of reference scans of the positioning constraint element as a function of rotation about the y-axis.

For clarity, the positioning constraints or support system elements are herein described relative to the semi-vertical positioning system; however, the positioning elements and descriptive x-, y-, and z-axes are adjustable to fit any coordinate system, to the sitting positioning system, or the laying positioning system.

Referring now to FIG. 21 an example of a head support system 2100 is described to support, align, and/or restrict movement of a human head 1502. The head support system 2100 preferably has several head support elements including any of: a back of head support, a right of head alignment element, and a left of head alignment element. The back of head support element is preferably curved to fit the head and is optionally adjustable along a head support axis, such as along the z-axis. Further, the head supports, like the other patient positioning constraints, is preferably made of a semi-rigid material, such as a low or high density foam, and has an optional covering, such as a plastic or leather. The right of head alignment element and left of head alignment elements or head alignment elements, are primarily used to semi-constrain movement of the head. The head alignment elements are preferably padded and flat, but optionally have a radius of curvature to fit the side of the head. The right and left head alignment elements are preferably respectively movable along translation axes to make contact with the sides of the head. Restricted movement of the head during proton therapy is important when targeting and treating tumors in the head or neck. The head alignment elements and the back of head support element combine to restrict tilt, rotation or yaw, roll and/or position of the head in the x-, y-, z-axes coordinate system.

Still referring to FIG. 21, optional element so of a head support system 2100 are described for positioning and/or restricting movement of a human head 1502 during proton therapy of a solid tumor in the head or neck. In this system, the head is restrained using 1, 2, 3, 4, or more straps or belts, which are preferably connected or replaceably connected to a back of head support element 2040. In the example illustrated, a first strap 2120 pulls or positions the forehead to the support element 2040, such as by running predominantly along the z-axis. Preferably a second strap 2130 works in conjunction with the first strap 2120 to prevent the head from undergoing tilt, yaw, roll or moving in terms of translational movement on the x-, y-, and z-axes coordinate system. The second strap 2130 is preferably attached or replaceable attached to the first strap 2120 at or about: (1) the forehead; (2) on one or both sides of the head; and/or (3) at or about the support element 2040. A third strap 2140 preferably orientates the chin of the subject relative to the support element 2040 by running dominantly along the z-axis. A fourth strap 2150 preferably runs along a predominantly y- and z-axes to hold the chin relative to the head support element 2040 and/or proton beam path. The third 2140 strap preferably is attached to or is replaceably attached to the fourth strap 2150 during use at or about the patient's chin. The second strap 2130 optionally connects to the fourth strap 2150 at or about the support element 2040. The four straps 2120, 2130, 2140, 2150 are illustrative in pathway and interconnection. Any of the straps optionally hold the head along different paths around the head and connect to each other in separate fashion. Naturally, a given strap preferably runs around the head and not just on one side of the head. Any of the straps 2120, 2130, 2140, and 2150 are optionally used independently or in combinations or permutations with the other straps. The straps are optionally indirectly connected to each other via a support element, such as the head support element 2040. The straps are optionally attached to the support element 2040 using hook and loop technology, a buckle, or fastener. Generally, the straps combine to control position, front-to-back movement of the head, side-to-side movement of the head, tilt, yaw, roll, and/or translational position of the head.

The straps are preferably of known impedence to proton transmission allowing a calculation of peak energy release along the z-axis to be calculated, such as an adjustment to the Bragg peak is made based on the slowing tendency of the straps to proton transport.

Referring now to FIG. 22, still another example of a head support 2040 is described. The head support 2040 is preferably curved to fit a standard or child sized head. The head support 2040 is optionally adjustable along a head support axis 2042. Further, the head support 2040, like the other patient positioning constraints, is preferably made of a semi-rigid material, such as a low or high density foam, and has an optional covering, such as a plastic or leather.

Elements of the above described head support, head positioning, and head immobilization systems are optionally used separately or in combination.

Still referring to FIG. 22, an example of the arm support 2020 is further described. The arm support preferably has a left hand grip 2210 and a right hand grip 2220 used for aligning the upper body of the patient 1330 through the action of the patient 1330 gripping the left and right hand grips 2210, 2220 with the patient's hands 1334. The left and right hand grips 2210, 2220 are preferably connected to the arm support 2020 that supports the mass of the patient's arms. The left and right hand grips 2210, 2220 are preferably constructed using a semi-rigid material. The left and right hand grips 2210, 2220 are optionally molded to the patient's hands to aid in alignment. The left and right hand grips optionally have electrodes, as described supra.

An example of the back support is further described. The back support is preferably curved to support the patient's back and to wrap onto the sides of the patient's torso. The back support preferably has two semi-rigid portions, a left side and right side. Further, the back support has a top end and a bottom end. A first distance between the top ends of the left side and right side is preferably adjustable to fit the upper portion of the patient's back. A second distance between the bottom ends of the left side and right side is preferably independently adjustable to fit the lower portion of the patient's back.

An example of the knee support is further described. The knee support preferably has a left knee support and a right knee support that are optionally connected or individually movable. Both the left and right knee supports are preferably curved to fit standard sized knees. The left knee support is optionally adjustable along a left knee support axis and the right knee support is optionally adjustable along a right knee support axis. Alternatively, the left and right knee supports are connected and movable along the knee support axis. Both the left and right knee supports, like the other patient positioning constraints, are preferably made of a semi-rigid material, such as a low or high density foam, having an optional covering, such as a plastic or leather.

Positioning System Computer Control

One or more of the patient positioning unit components and/or one of more of the patient positioning constraints are preferably under computer control, where the computer control positioning devices, such as via a series of motors and drives, to reproducibly position the patient. For example, the patient is initially positioned and constrained by the patient positioning constraints. The position of each of the patient positioning constraints is recorded and saved by the main controller 110, by a sub-controller or the main controller, or by a separate computer controller. Then, medical devices are used to locate the tumor in the patient while the patient is in the orientation of final treatment. The imaging system 170 includes one or more of: MRI's, X-rays, CT's, proton beam tomography, and the like. Time optionally passes at this point where images from the imaging system 170 are analyzed and a proton therapy treatment plan is devised. The patient may exit the constraint system during this time period, which may be minutes, hours, or days. Upon return of the patient to the patient positioning unit, the computer can return the patient positioning constraints to the recorded positions. This system allows for rapid repositioning of the patient to the position used during imaging and development of the treatment plan, which minimizes setup time of patient positioning and maximizes time that the charged particle beam system 100 is used for cancer treatment.

Proton Delivery Efficiency

A Bragg peak energy profile shows that protons deliver their energy across the entire length of the body penetrated by the proton up to a maximum penetration depth. As a result, energy is being delivered to healthy tissue, bone, and other body constituents before the proton beam hits the tumor. It follows that the shorter the pathlength in the body prior to the tumor, the higher the efficiency of proton delivery efficiency, where proton delivery efficiency is a measure of how much energy is delivered to the tumor relative to healthy portions of the patient. Examples of proton delivery efficiency include: (1) a ratio proton energy delivered the tumor and proton energy delivered to non-tumor tissue; (2) pathlength of protons in the tumor versus pathlength in the non-tumor tissue; and (3) damage to a tumor compared to damage to healthy body parts. Any of these measures are optionally weighted by damage to sensitive tissue, such as a nervous system element, heart, brain, or other organ. To illustrate, for a patient in a laying position where the patient is rotated about the y-axis during treatment, a tumor near the hear would at times be treated with protons running through the head-to-heart path, leg-to-heart path, or hip-to-heart path, which are all inefficient compared to a patient in a sitting or semi-vertical position where the protons are all delivered through a shorter chest-to-heart; side-of-body-to-heart, or back-to-heart path. Particularly, compared to a laying position, using a sitting or semi-vertical position of the patient, a shorter pathlength through the body to a tumor is provided to a tumor located in the torso or head, which is a higher or better proton delivery efficiency.

Herein proton delivery efficiency is separately described from the time efficiency or synchrotron use efficiency, which is a fraction of time that the charged particle beam apparatus is in operation.

Patient Placement

Preferably, the patient 1330 is aligned in the proton beam path 269 in a precise and accurate manner. Several placement systems are described. The patient placement systems are described using the laying positioning system, but are equally applicable to the semi-vertical and sitting positioning systems.

In a first placement system, the patient is positioned in a known location relative to the platform. For example, one or more of the positioning constraints position the patient in a precise and/or accurate location on the platform. Optionally, a placement constraint element connected or replaceably connected to the platform is used to position the patient on the platform. The placement constraint element(s) is used to position any position of the patient, such as a hand, limb, head, or torso element.

In a second placement system, one or more positioning constraints or support element, such as the platform, is aligned versus an element in the patient treatment room. Essentially a lock and key system is optionally used, where a lock fits a key. The lock and key elements combine to locate the patient relative to the proton beam path 269 in terms of any of the x-, y-, and z-position, tilt, yaw, and roll. Essentially the lock is a first registration element and the key is a second registration element fitting into, adjacent to, or with the first registration element to fix the patient location and/or a support element location relative to the proton beam path 269. Examples of a registration element include any of a mechanical element, such as a mechanical stop, and an electrical connection indicating relative position or contact.

In a third placement system, the imaging system, described supra, is used to determine where the patient is relative to the proton beam path 269 or relative to an imaging marker placed in an support element or structure holding the patient, such as in the platform. When using the imaging system, such as an X-ray imaging system, then the first placement system or positioning constraints minimize patient movement once the imaging system determines location of the subject. Similarly, when using the imaging system, such as an X-ray imaging system, then the first placement system and/or second positioning system provide a crude position of the patient relative to the proton beam path 269 and the imaging system subsequently determines a fine position of the patient relative to the proton beam path 269.

Monitoring Breathing

Preferably, the patient's breathing pattern is monitored. When a subject, also referred to herein as a patient, is breathing many portions of the body move with each breath. For example, when a subject breathes the lungs move as do relative positions of organs within the body, such as the stomach, kidneys, liver, chest muscles, skin, heart, and lungs. Generally, most or all parts of the torso move with each breath. Indeed, the inventors have recognized that in addition to motion of the torso with each breath, various motion also exists in the head and limbs with each breath. Motion is to be considered in delivery of a proton dose to the body as the protons are preferentially delivered to the tumor and not to surrounding tissue. Motion thus results in an ambiguity in where the tumor resides relative to the beam path. To partially overcome this concern, protons are preferentially delivered at the same point in each of a series of breathing cycles.

Initially a rhythmic pattern of breathing of a subject is determined. The cycle is observed or measured. For example, a proton beam operator can observe when a subject is breathing or is between breaths and can time the delivery of the protons to a given period of each breath. Alternatively, the subject is told to inhale, exhale, and/or hold their breath and the protons are delivered during the commanded time period.

Preferably, one or more sensors are used to determine the breathing cycle of the individual. Two examples of a breath monitoring system are provided: (1) a thermal monitoring system and (2) a force monitoring system.

Referring again to FIG. 21, an example of the thermal breath monitoring system is provided. In the thermal breath monitoring system, a sensor is placed by the nose and/or mouth of the patient. As the jaw of the patient is optionally constrained, as described supra, the thermal breath monitoring system is preferably placed by the patient's nose exhalation path. To avoid steric interference of the thermal sensor system components with proton therapy, the thermal breath monitoring system is preferably used when treating a tumor not located in the head or neck, such as a when treating a tumor in the torso or limbs. In the thermal monitoring system, a first thermal resistor 2162 is used to monitor the patient's breathing cycle and/or location in the patient's breathing cycle. Preferably, the first thermal resistor 2162 is placed by the patient's nose, such that the patient exhaling through their nose onto the first thermal resistor 2162 warms the first thermal resistor 2162 indicating an exhale. Preferably, a second thermal resistor 2160 operates as an environmental temperature sensor. The second thermal resistor 2160 is preferably placed out of the exhalation path of the patient but in the same local room environment as the first thermal resistor 2162. Generated signal, such as current from the thermal resistors 2162, 2160, is preferably converted to voltage and communicated with the main controller 110 or a sub-controller of the main controller. Preferably, the second thermal resistor 2160 is used to adjust for the environmental temperature fluctuation that is part of a signal of the first thermal resistor 2162, such as by calculating a difference between the values of the thermal resistors 2162, 2160 to yield a more accurate reading of the patient's breathing cycle.

Referring again to FIG. 20, an example of the force/pressure breath monitoring system is provided. In the force breath monitoring system, a sensor is placed by the torso. To avoid steric interference of the force sensor system components with proton therapy, the force breath monitoring system is preferably used when treating a tumor located in the head, neck or limbs. In the force monitoring system, a belt or strap 2030 is placed around an area of the patient's torso that expands and contracts with each breath cycle of the patient. The belt 2030 is preferably tight about the patient's chest and is flexible. A force meter 2032 is attached to the belt and senses the patients breathing pattern. The forces applied to the force meter 2032 correlate with periods of the breathing cycle. The signals from the force meter 2032 are preferably communicated with the main controller 110 or a sub-controller of the main controller.

Breath Control

Once the rhythmic pattern of the subject's breathing is determined, a signal is optionally delivered to the subject to more precisely control the breathing frequency. For example, a display screen is placed in front of the subject directing the subject when to hold their breath and when to breath. Typically, a breathing control module uses input from one or more of the breathing sensors. For example, the input is used to determine when the next breath exhale is to complete. At the bottom of the breath, the control module displays a hold breath signal to the subject, such as on a monitor, via an oral signal, digitized and automatically generated voice command, or via a visual control signal. Preferably, a display monitor is positioned in front of the subject and the display monitor displays at least breathing commands to the subject. Typically, the subject is directed to hold their breath for a short period of time, such as about one-half, one, two, or three seconds. The period of time the subject is asked to hold their breath is less than about ten seconds. The period of time the breath is held is preferably synchronized to the delivery time of the proton beam to the tumor, which is about one-half, one, two, or three seconds. While delivery of the protons at the bottom of the breath is preferred, protons are optionally delivered at any point in the breathing cycle, such as upon full inhalation. Delivery at the top of the breath or when the patient is directed to inhale deeply and hold their breath by the breathing control module is optionally performed as at the top of the breath the chest cavity is largest and for some tumors the distance between the tumor and surrounding tissue is maximized or the surrounding tissue is rarefied as a result of the increased volume. Hence, protons hitting surrounding tissue is minimized. Optionally, the display screen tells the subject when they are about to be asked to hold their breath, such as with a 3, 2, 1, second countdown so that the subject is aware of the task they are about to be asked to perform.

Proton Beam Therapy Synchronization with Breathing

A proton delivery control algorithm is used to synchronize delivery of the protons to the tumor within a given period of each breath, such as at the top or bottom of a breath when the subject is holding their breath. The proton delivery control algorithm is preferably integrated with the breathing control module. Thus, the proton delivery control algorithm knows when the subject is breathing, where in the breath cycle the subject is, and/or when the subject is holding their breath. The proton delivery control algorithm controls when protons are injected and/or inflected into the synchrotron, when a radio frequency (RF) signal is applied to induce an oscillation, as described supra, and when a direct current (DC) voltage is applied to extract protons from the synchrotron, as described supra. Typically, the proton delivery control algorithm initiates proton inflection and subsequent RF induced oscillation before the subject is directed to hold their breath or before the identified period of the breathing cycle selected for a proton delivery time. In this manner, the proton delivery control algorithm can deliver protons at a selected period of the breathing cycle by simultaneously or nearly simultaneously delivering the high DC voltage to the second pair of plates, described supra, which results in extraction of the protons from the synchrotron and subsequent delivery to the subject at the selected time point. Since the period of acceleration of protons in the synchrotron is constant or known for a desired energy level of the proton beam, the proton delivery control algorithm is used to set an alternating current (AC) RF signal that matches the breathing cycle or directed breathing cycle of the subject.

Multi-Field Illumination

The 3-dimensional scanning system of the proton spot focal point, described supra, is preferably combined with a rotation/raster method. The method includes layer wise tumor irradiation from many directions. During a given irradiation slice, the proton beam energy is continuously changed according to the tissue's density in front of the tumor to result in the beam stopping point, defined by the Bragg peak, to always be inside the tumor and inside the irradiated slice. The novel method allows for irradiation from many directions, referred to herein as multi-field irradiation, to achieve the maximal effective dose at the tumor level while simultaneously significantly reducing possible side-effects on the surrounding healthy tissues in comparison with existing methods. Essentially, the multi-field irradiation system distributes dose-distribution at tissue depths not yet reaching the tumor.

An example of a method and/or apparatus for acquiring an image of at least a tumor in a patient is used to further illustrate uses of the above described elements and steps. In one example, a platform is configured to support the patient, where the platform comprises multi-axis computer control of any of a vertical position of the platform and a rotation position of said platform, where at least a portion of the platform is positioned under an about horizontal beam path of at least one of: charged particles extracted from a synchrotron and X-rays emitted from an X-ray source. Positioning of the platform is through use of a rotational, vertical, and/or horizontal reamer 1350 configured to position of the platform, such as at a rate in excess of ninety degrees per minute simultaneous with a period of acquisition of data for imaging the tumor. Preferably an X-ray source is used to collect images of the tumor that are algorithmically compiled into two and/or three dimensional images of the tumor relative to surrounding body constituents. The images are used in directing charged particle cancer therapy, such as proton therapy. The images are preferably collected simultaneous with proton therapy, immediately prior to cancer therapy, or between cancer therapy extraction cycles from a synchrotron. Any of the above described charged particle cancer therapy apparatus elements or use thereof is directed by use of the X-ray images.

Although the invention has been described herein with reference to certain preferred embodiments, one skilled in the art will readily appreciate that other applications may be substituted for those set forth herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention. Accordingly, the invention should only be limited by the Claims included below. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for positioning a patient for imaging of a tumor with X-rays, comprising: a statically positioned X-ray source; a lower support unit; at least one patient positioning device, said lower support unit supporting said at least one patient positioning device; means for rotating said lower support unit about an about vertical axis to a plurality of rotation positions, wherein said plurality of rotation positions comprises at least five rotation positions in a period of less than two minutes during imaging of the tumor by the X-rays, said X-ray source configured to deliver the X-rays along an about horizontal axis over a portion of said lower support unit; means for vertically adjusting said lower support unit, wherein said means for vertically adjusting adjusts the tumor of the patient to overlap protons extracted from a synchrotron, wherein during use the protons travel along a beam path substantially parallel to an X-ray path covered by said X-rays; and independent control of all of: a vertical position of said lower support unit, said lower support unit configured to support the patient during use; a rotation position of said lower support unit; energy of the protons, wherein said synchrotron comprises an extraction foil, in a proton beam acceleration path, used to control the energy of the protons; and intensity of the protons, wherein an intensity controller uses electrons generated from said extraction foil in control of the intensity of the protons, wherein delivery of the protons comprises coordination with rotation of the patient on said lower support unit during said plurality of rotation positions.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising motors configured to adjust at least one of a rotation position of said lower support unit and a vertical position of said lower support unit during delivery of the protons from said synchrotron.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1, further comprising: an upper support unit mechanically connected to said lower support unit, wherein said means for rotating rotates said lower support unit in synchronization with said upper support unit.
 4. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a first thermal resistor held by said upper support unit, said first thermal resistor configured in an exhalation path of the patient; a second thermal resistor configured to sense environmental temperature out of the exhalation path; and a controller using at least one reading from said first thermal resistor and said second thermal resistor to determine a respiration cycle of the patient, wherein said controller controls delivery of the X-rays from said X-ray source in phase with said respiration cycle.
 5. The apparatus of claim 3, further comprising: a motor for adjusting a distance between said lower support unit and said upper support unit.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein said control of intensity comprises control through use of a feedback control using a current generated by the protons transmitting through said extraction foil in an extraction process of the protons at said energy. 